The One I Love (2014) - 8/10

As I continue to try to diversify the types of movies in these initial review installments, I wanted to try targeting a romance movie. I had seen The One I Love before at its initial release and remember really loving it. It may not be your typical romance, but lets jump into the rubric and see how the rewatch shook out. 

1. Acting

During the rewatch I learned a fun fact I didn't know the first time; the script for this was more of a very detailed 50 page outline than an actual screenplay. More specifically the script did not include any dialog and it was up to the actors to determine what the characters said in the moment making the already strong performances of Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss that much more impressive. 

I think the lack of pre-written dialog also helps sell the plot more. With an already bizarre concept and set of circumstances for the characters to navigate, the natural dialog between the leads lends a since of groundedness or authenticity. The characters benefit from this as well because their actions and their decisions feel more real. 

Both leads also hold their own weight by pulling double duty. Having to play doppelganger duty is tough for a lot of actors because it can feel very soap opera-y if not done well. Duplass does a great job of tackling his two sides- one a stubborn, emotionally frustrating and over-analytic true self  and a more vulnerable, charming but also duplicitous doppelganger. Moss also feels right at home in a role like this. Her subtleties playing a character with two different side has always impressed me in the Handmaid's Tale, and her turn here as both a scorned but hopeful partner clinging to the past and a more stepford forgiving self is a tough needle to thread with the level of restraint she chose.

2. Cinematography

With a limited budget, the scope of this film is small. The cinematography here then is very simplistic but also well executed. It pairs well with the VFX and editing teams as they craft the third act when all 4 character begin interacting. 

3. Production/Costume Design

The trimmed down set and costume budget are obvious for this indie but they accomplish a lot with only a little. The small changes in style between the true selves and doppelgangers are delicate but help the audience navigate the plot as the characters interact more and more.

4. Writing

Despite having improvised dialog, the plot and characters feel like they were very well fleshed out in the script/outline. But what spoke to me most as I watched the film unfold, was all the implied facets of the script. What's happening on the screen is engrossing enough, but it also raises heavy concepts for the audience to consider without feeling the need to weigh in itself. Can a broken marriage be repaired? What is the true nature of infidelity? Can you wind a relationships clock back in time? Should you? When we talk about how a partner 'used to be' are we talking about how they have changed, or how we ourselves have changed? Should love be easy or should it be messy sometimes? I am fascinated by this film because I feel like if you sat 10 people in a room and made them watch it they would all identify with it differently and take different things away from the events that unfold. 

I also like that they took a harder and more melancholy approach to the story. In an alternative universe, this film could be constructed as your typical cheesy rom-com by keeping the same premise but altering the tone. I greatly prefer this darker spin that leans into some of its more horror elements like an elongated episode of Black Mirror. 

The last thing to talk about with this movie is its ambiguous ending. I've seen lots of debate on who ends up with who by the time the credits roll. I think its clear that the true selves leave together and the doppelgangers stay behind. But I also see the arguments to the contrary. In this regard, I wonder why the writers decided to add this to the end. It was a clear choice - so was it just to confuse the audience? To subvert its own 'happy' ending?

5. Sound Design

Nothing in particular to note here. 

6. Editing

 At 91 minutes, the movie keeps a nice pace as it moves through the story. The middle act feels a bit repetitive at times, but I think it helps build the audiences frustration with the choices the characters are making and helps build to the eventual resolution.

7. Visual Effects

Knowing that the film had a small budget, I appreciate that the VFX team wasn't afraid to have the 4 characters all on screen together at times. They used the same techniques most films use when dealing with twins or clones played by the same actor but also were willing to play around with that at times - especially when they directly interact. It may have been simple at times, but it was very well done.

8. Originality or Strength of Adaptation

This film manages to be many things at once - romance, comedy, surrealist, thriller, horror, sci-fi. It certainly takes inspiration from the Twilight Zone and others of that ilk, but still feels highly unique in its implementation.

9. Stunt Coordination

Nothing really to note here. 

10. Direction

Charlie McDowell's first film proves he has the chops to be a really interesting indie filmmaker. His subsequent projects haven't managed to reach the heights of this particular outing, but shows hes willing to explore wacky and odd films that Hollywood needs to pay more attention to. 

Legacy/Final Thoughts

On re-watch I still really love this movie. Though I may be more interested in its broader implications than what actually transpires, I am impressed at almost everything they were able to accomplish here. Ultimately, its legacy may be that it was an overlooked concept film on release and will hopefully live on as one of those hidden gem movies that film lovers bother their friends about.