In a Relationship

Narrative movies at film festivals are often a gamble, so I was happy to see such an honest, funny, and sweet movie at Tribeca late last month. Hoping it's picked up for distribution soon, because it's the kind of movie that isn't made much anymore, and one that will please people who have been waiting for more authentic love stories.

Hallie (Emma Roberts) and Owen (Michael Angarano) are a couple in L.A. Their best friends Willa (Dree Hemingway) and Matt (Patrick Gibson) get together and start dating. The four twentysomethings have different levels of commitment expectations which causes simmering conflicts.

It starts like a fluffy cute relationship indie. It tries to be 'real' with their relationships. It has potential but it does not elevate the drama. I wish that Willa would actually cheat on Matt and Hallie is forced to hide the secret. It needs something to heighten the drama. The characters are set for something but the plot is holding back. The story is being too 'real' where the couple are struggling due to nothing more than themselves. It leaves with a flat ending that does not wrap up or break apart.

Was far better than expected and a more real look at relationships. Good cast for an independent film. Was crying out that they were both better suited for the other couple and would have preferred that to the actual ending but you can't have it all. For a low budget indie film a lot better than many have made out.

I can see where they were trying to go with this film but it was done super slow and I found that I was forcing myself to watch it. While they captured the outer surface of the relationship of the 20 something year old, they missed the inner workings of a trite relationship. I'm out of my twenties but not long enough to remember how it felt and the writer missed everything. Sad as it could have been a terrific film.

Emma Roberts is the lead in this relationship comedy... which has its moments.. but in the end neither of the two couples in this movie is particularly worth rooting for.