I Love You Forever

This was a happy find for me and not at all what I expected. The first scene, I was like, oh no, not another one of those movies. Then the tone shifted and I started to chuckle. I laughed through a lot of the film, and was insanely annoyed through a good bit of it. The parts with Finn. Arrrgggh! I loved the friends and thought the writing was top notch. Many of us have been in this type of relationship, but to a much lesser degree. I decided to go to IMDb and review it, which I rarely do unless I am really impressed. Finding out who the writers were and that is was based on a true story sent me on another search. I can totally see PD having this personality trait. Cazzie what a ride it must have been. I will end with the old cliche "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" (although sometimes you wish it had.) Great film girl!!

I don't normally watch these type of movies, but I just wanted to give something random a try and I think because I have had very similar experiences it spoke to me, and because of that I loved it. It's definitely an Indie vibe, but it is funny, dramatic, and although some things are definitely made more dramatic for movie purposes it is still realistic. I think for especially millennials and younger it's incredibly relatable. I believe it will touch a lot of people's hearts in an unexpected way. It was really well done.

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.

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.

Displays the torture an unhealthy relationship will put you through. The overwhelming neediness this guy shows is scary and extremely sad. She is in a prison with multiple communication devices on hand and his 1000s of texts and calls an hour. It by default is a horror movie. His psychosis is on full display. Knowing someone who went through something like this gave me flashbacks. The way they slow burn the lunacy is pitch perfect. Watch this film. It's horrific and great at the same time.