We Have to Leave Here Together

The simplicity of Joel Haver's no-budget movie might turn some viewers off at first... it's him playing two characters and it's pretty clear that there's no crew. Lighting, sound, framing and lots of other things we commonly associate with critical elements of a "good" firm are limited/basic/amateurish. But after you take this movie in, you'll recognize those things are all secondary to the story and the emotions a film can bring about.

"We Have to Leave Here Together" is even light on the story, but the emotions it made me feel were powerful. Good intentions, miscommunication, missed opportunities... those are themes worth exploring about life and relationships, specifically.

Joel's acting is fine (more than fine given he's acting against himself on screen, but to empty space in real life) and he captures little quirks and points of interest in the shooting environment. Everything that happens culminates in a powerful finale that has brought me to tears each time I've watched it.

Joel has surprisingly good chemistry with himself, and I was surprisingly unbothered by both characters being him. Good job!

This movie is also very pretty even with a solely static camera and single location.

I do, however, find any of the "deep" and "sad (or bittersweet)" moments poorly executed. I don't believe I'm hearing real people's conversations when he's whimpering through his lines and doing the slanty thing with his eyes. His sadness acting has never been believable to me and that's the emotional core of this so it's rough.

The last five minutes of this film are great though. Joel much better expresses a bittersweet emotion through abstract means - where my belief doesn't hinge on a performance.

I never cry at films, I never cry, but this had me sobbing throughout. I don't know how he can convey the meaning through putting on a wig and a different top, but honestly you get so immersed you don't even notice and it's just amazing. Thank you for making this Joel.

There are no moving shots and it just gives this surreal, honest perspective of what life is like in those moments. Just two people interacting and making it up as they go.

The last scene really choked me up and really caught me off guard with how well it rounded up the story and everything with it. I honestly love it to death and will watch the others he has made.