Permission

A film that is driven by a controversial premise, but the execution feels childish and amateur. It goes about the motion but does not provide a good enough plot to really examine the concept of monogamy. The emotions displayed by every single character feels off and superficial which creates a disconnect with the audience. The film provides an one dimensional, pessimistic look at relationships, but is not controversial enough to capture and enlighten viewers.

I was very disappointed with the climax of this movie, but kind of saw the ending coming

Director/writer Brian Crano has assembled an excellent cast. Permission has adults having adult conversations. We watch as two very different couples grapple with managing their relationships and the hardships that ensue when one person (or both) deviate from "the plan". Crano allows his characters to be smart, stupid, loving, selfish ... that is, real people. Rebecca Hall steals the show and yet her character is perhaps the least likable of them all. After seeing her here, I will watch her in anything. A scene late in the movie is as real as life and as such is tender, wrenching, and beautiful. So, why only 5 stars? All of these great parts do not add up in the end. The middle of the film lags. As great as the acting may be, I didn't believe the ending. Crano works with his actors and creates great moments. The culmination of those moments, while clearly articulated in the film, seemed trite at worst and less than satisfying at best. Normally such an ending would result in less than 5 / 10 from me (starting from a pass/fail scale). Yet, the greatly crafted scenes and great ensemble acting make Permission worth recommending.

This film tells the story of a couple who decides to open up their relationship on the suggestion of their mutual friend.

"Permission" is a predictable romantic comedy, I could just tell how the film will end after watching the first scene. The process of getting to the end scene is quite pleasant, with a lot of eye candy and nice portrayal of how the new arrangement may or may not be working.

It has good actors that work well together but the plot line is basically that a flat line. It's a little over an hour & half long but feels closer to three hours. It's not romantic and funny nor is it heartbreaking and tragic it falls somewhere in the middle that leads to an anti-climatic climax that leaves a lot unanswered and then cuts to black.