In a Relationship

Narrative movies at film festivals are often a gamble, so I was happy to see such an honest, funny, and sweet movie at Tribeca late last month. Hoping it's picked up for distribution soon, because it's the kind of movie that isn't made much anymore, and one that will please people who have been waiting for more authentic love stories.

Hallie (Emma Roberts) and Owen (Michael Angarano) are a couple in L.A. Their best friends Willa (Dree Hemingway) and Matt (Patrick Gibson) get together and start dating. The four twentysomethings have different levels of commitment expectations which causes simmering conflicts.

It starts like a fluffy cute relationship indie. It tries to be 'real' with their relationships. It has potential but it does not elevate the drama. I wish that Willa would actually cheat on Matt and Hallie is forced to hide the secret. It needs something to heighten the drama. The characters are set for something but the plot is holding back. The story is being too 'real' where the couple are struggling due to nothing more than themselves. It leaves with a flat ending that does not wrap up or break apart.

Not everyone has had the same experience in love or life. So i understand some of the bad reviews, but is a really good movie, a very real one. I had a relationship like that so i felt everything i was seeing. The movie had me thinking of my past relationship. I was seeing myself and my ex in this film. They did a good job and the people that think otherwise simple dind't have an experience like that. Everybody that has will feel this movie. Emma Roberts and Michael Angarano did a good job.

Yes it's maybe not as shiny and sparkly as how relationships are normally portrayed but it's just as good maybe s bit refreshing. The music is really excellent though.

Only a nebbish writer could have thought this was plausible. To be fair on some level it is with the emasculation and confusion in our culture, but it doesn't explore this subject in any way worth thinking about.