The One I Love is a clever film that is really hard to describe without spoiling any aspect of the film. Heading into it, it is a good idea to assume that it might be another romantic comedy about a couple trying to save their marriage. That way, the film’s sudden shift in tone will come as an even bigger shock.
Director Charlie McDowell makes his debut with this film, produced by brothers Mark and Jay Duplass and written by Justin Lader.
It starts out innocently enough. Ethan (Mark Duplass, The League) and Sophie (Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men) are in couples counseling with a therapist (Ted Danson), who suggests that they go on a retreat to save the marriage. When they get there, they immediately start enjoying the place, but then some Twilight Zone-style stuff starts happening.
The One I Love leaves its romantic comedy roots behind within the first 20 minutes, as Ethan and Sophie realize quickly that something strange is happening. I’m not going to say what that is because I think this movie is worth checking out.
It’s witty, original and darkly funny. There’s good performances from Moss and Duplass, who are really the only faces we see on the film. McDowell also made the unique decision to shoot in the 2.35:1 ratio, giving the film a stylized, wider look. He also kept the movie to under 90 minutes and the characters created by Lader are well-rounded. We wonder how Sophie and Ethan could have possibly fell in love with each other in the first place, which makes its ending plausible.
Released on Tuesday, Anchor Bay’s Blu-ray release of the film is single-layered, and the image is a bit soft. That might have been intended, but this definitely isn’t a visual marvel to use to test your home theater. Extras are a bit light, with Duplass and McDowell providing a commentary. There’s also a two-minute VFX reel, which I can’t tell you about or it spoils the movie.
The One I Love is an enjoyable indie film that does raise questions about relationships and discovering how one fits into a marriage. However, don’t go in expecting the norm, because it’s anything but normal.
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