Title: The One I Love
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Charlie McDowell
Starring: Mark  Duplass, Elizabeth Moss
Runtime: 1 hr 31 mins

What It Is: Sophie and Ethan’s relationship is in shambles. Sophie is bored of Ethan and Ethan is distant and doesn’t seem to be “in” the relationship. It’s that neurosis that’s the core of some of the issues, however there’s some underlying issues that aren’t being discussed. To try and fix their problems they go on a staycation in a secluded home equipped with a guest house. It’s that guest houses secret that’ll drive them together, or apart, or something.

What We Think: Damn that’s a great film. From the secret of the guest house to the curing of the neurosis to getting that feeling like this frail togetherness could end on a moments notice and yet you aren’t quite sure why you feel that way. You care about these characters and you want them to stay together. You feel like Sophie wants to be with Ethan, and that Ethan needs to be with Sophie. It’s a film with a unique and interesting sci-fi experiment. It takes a great premise and a tired cliche and hodgepodges them both together in a film with both mystery and intrigue. Duplass is great as is Moss. It’s difficult to talk too much about a film like this without giving away the farm so we’re trying to tiptoe around some things.

Our Grade: A-, There’s alot here to love. It’s a two person show the whole time. Moss and Duplass carry the load, but the true winner here is in the writing. The film does a great job of throwing you through a loop with some of the events, and it’s ending will have you both satisfied, and scratching your head. You’ll wonder if what you think is a reality, or if those same thought have betrayed you. I think everyone should check out this truly original piece of cinema. And consider watching some of the other stuff the Duplass brothers have written/directed or produced.