I Love You Forever

And, unfortunately, it is because I have firsthand experience in this. I had to walk away a few times to gather myself. Also, I know he's a nepo baby but I really like Ray Nicholson's acting overall. He has that sinister look that mirrors his dad's and it works well for him.

Hope to see him in more movies.

Greetings again from the darkness. So, may we interest you in a Valentine's Day movie about an abusive relationship doomed to failure? What if I told you that it's meant to be funny, but it's actually quite depressing and dark? Cazzie David (Larry David's daughter) and Elisa Kalani are co-writers and co-directors on this film rumored to be 'inspired' by Ms. David's relationship with a certain former SNL comedian (the one known for dating a steady stream of beautiful women).

MacKenzie (Sofia Black-D'Elia, "Your Honor", "The Night Of") is a law student, and when the film opens, she's in bed with Jake (Raymond Cham Jr, THE IDEA OF YOU, 2024). We quickly realize this is a booty call ... although it doesn't appear that MacKenzie recognizes it as such. Or perhaps, more accurately, she hopes for more from Jake. This is merely the first painful example - and there are many more to come - of MacKenzie displaying very little self-confidence or self-worth, despite being lovely, intelligent, and quite capable of participating in flirty and witty banter.

Rounding out the trio of good friends are Ally (the film's writer/director Cazzie David) and Lucas (Jon Rudnitsky, HOME AGAIN, 2017). When together, these buds have a strong bond and whip-smart dialogue. The movie is at its best during these times. Things shift quickly when MacKenzie meets Finn (Ray Nicholson, Jack's son) at Ally's birthday bash. Finn seems like the perfect guy for her. He's a news reporter who can match her flirtatious ways, and delivers the most romantic first date one could imagine. The early stages go smoothly, and the weeks click by as they grow closer.

Of course, things (and men) are never as perfect as they seem. Finn begins to throw these manipulative tantrums that, frankly, are quite frightening. MacKenzie recognizes the behavior as unacceptable, yet is so intent on keeping 'Mr. Right', that she continues to work through his wicked (and bipolar) ways. Ally and Lucas try to be supportive for her, but Finn demands so much attention, that friendships and law school become after thoughts. It's infuriating to watch, and it's likely that I'm simply too old to understand why anyone would put up with Finn. Sure, partners are never as perfect as they initially seem, but hopefully few turn out to be as psychotic as Finn. The filmmakers have delivered a masterclass on what not to subject yourself to in a relationship ... it's just questionable whether this is the right message to deliver on Valentine's Day. On second thought, maybe that's the perfect time.

Opening in theaters on February 14, 2025.

The "dark comedy" aspect did not work and was, frankly, inappropriate considering the subject matter. Low production value. Would have been better as an after-school special - shooter and without the graphic sex references. Feel bad for the actors, who I'm sure did their best with an awful script and overall vision. Just terrible.

As "I Love You Forever" (2024 release; 89 min.) opens, Mackenzie attend the birthday party of her friend Ally, and there she strikes up a conversation with a guy named Finn. Finn is super-charming, and Mackenzie is intrigued. At this point we are 10 min into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is written and directed by Cazzie David and Elisa Kalani (both from "Eighty-Sixed"). And for good measure Cazzie also pays the role of Ally. Without going into any of the plot's details, the movie starts slowly and then when the relationship starts to sour, the transformation is as quickly as it is disturbing. Ray Nicholson (son of Jack) is outstanding as Finn, playing a deeply dislikeable character (his dad will approve!). During some of these scenes, I thought to myself "this is in essence a "feel-bad" movie, but it's so well made!" To be honest, I think Ray Nicholson needs to diversify upcoming roles, as otherwise he risks getting stereotyped in a same or similar role. Please note that Diabolo Cody is credited as a Producer, and that makes perfect sense to me.

"I Love You Forever" premiered at the 2024 SXSW film fest, yes over a year ago. I don't recall whether it played in US theaters at all. Regardless, it's now streaming on Netflix, where I caught it the other night. The movie is currently rated 80% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, which feels a bit generous to me. It is a "feel-bad" movie after all. If you like another take on "modern relationships", I'd readily suggest you check it out and draw your own conclusion.

Cazzie David and Elisa Kalani direct and write this dramatic comedy about psychological abuse in relationships. They do so in a dark and ironic way-daring, yes, but perhaps not entirely successful.

Starring Sofia Black-D'Ellia, Ray Nicholson, Jon Rudnitsky, and Cazzie David herself, it follows a disillusioned law student who plunges into what appears to be the true romantic relationship she hoped for. Things slowly change when they begin to discover the true personality behind her ideal man.

The film is daring and poignant, perhaps its greatest strength. However, when it shifts to a deeper drama, it takes on greater force within what seemed to be just another romantic comedy. The decisions are risky and succeed in delivering something we weren't entirely expecting, but in trying to contain its own scale, its final decisions about what we'd been presented with end up leaving us somewhat uncomfortable. The point is understood, but perhaps as viewers, we're not entirely prepared for that sudden shift. In any case, this is a very well-directed and well-written film, which makes it easy to follow. Although we can't overlook the fact that it has flaws that weaken its power, the final result is ultimately quite pleasing.

It's a film that relies heavily on its two leads, especially Sofia Black-D'Ellia, who fully embodies the nuances of her character and the anguish she occasionally experiences within. Ray Nicholson, meanwhile, proves he's the son of the great Jack, and talent runs in his veins, especially when it comes to a role like the one he delivers.

An interesting offering that has some heartfelt moments and others that are somewhat forced, but all in all, it offers a decent film worth giving a chance. It's sharp and ironic, an interesting combination, in times when everything is perhaps more sensitive, but the film's journey to reveal the toxicity of relationships is appreciated.