I Love You Forever

"I Love You Forever" begins with a couple in bed. However, the guy is a total d*** who only wants sex from the woman and doesn't seem to give a darn about her even though there are hints the woman would like more than just late night booty calls. The woman is McKenzie, played by the always good Sofia Black-D'Elia, and she is a law student. She has a quirky roommate and a close guy friend, and at a birthday party for her roommate she meets Finn, played by Ray Nicholson. Finn is a rich, good-looking, ultra successful man who is the lead news anchor for a local TV station. He begins to smoothly woo her and give her gifts and before long they're head over heels with each other. But he suddenly starts to get very needy and clingy and we watch as the relationship unfolds...

I think this was intended to be a deep story about emotional issues in a relationship, but it doesn't succeed. None of it rings true, the dialog sounds like it was written by a Diablo Cody wanna-be (and I was a little surprised to see Diablo listed at the end as a producer!). Finn gets very needy and it never makes sense -- he's rich, good looking, clearly very smooth and confident around women, so his sudden personality change doesn't make sense. But worst of all, Black-D'Elia makes McKenzie incredibly appealing and her repeatedly making incomprehensible decisions is wildly annoying. I mean, literally the last hour of this film is us screaming at the TV, "What are you doing, McKenzie? What are you thinking of?" The movie means to make Finn the "bad guy" and we certainly dislike him, but he never comes off as more than just weird and annoying.

I love supporting small indie films, so it sort of pains me to speak ill of "I Love You Forever." You could definitely do worse, but I suspect that most people just won't find it an entertaining way to spend 90 minutes.

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.

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.

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.

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.