The One I Love - A Movie Review

Something Twilight Zone is going on around here and we’re going to figure it out.

Opening a door into an alternate universe, The One I Love was released in 2014. A couple goes away for a romantic weekend in an attempt to win back their marriage. Vacating to a beautiful getaway, they find themselves in a bizarre situation involving an alternate universe.

Watching only a minute of trailers is essential so you don’t spoil any important details. The One I Love is an engrossing story. I was impressed by the astute direction. An enjoyable film that keeps you guessing, I had a couple of issues with the story by the end.

Mark Duplass and Elizabeth Moss achieved incredible ranges. Having to perform as two characters, I honestly believed that different actors portrayed the alternatives. Duplass and Moss were excellent in these roles. Studying their relationship closely, Ethan and Sophie are tested.

As always, Moss is wonderful in all of her performances, finding contrasting characteristics. I found her character selfish in her actions by the end. Duplass and Moss were great working off one another in each scene.

The One I Love has a minimal cast. Duplass and Moss obtain most of the film. We don’t need to see significant people in the main characters' lives. This film is about them. Writers succeeded in that component. We’ll hear other characters' voices over the phone or see photos.

Ted Danson has a minor role as a therapist. It should have been kept minor. As I will talk about more, this story should have been more enigmatic.

For the location, the house of actress Mary Steenburgen was used. Surrounded by nice views and a relaxing atmosphere, the house plays an important character. Furnished to look like a comfortable getaway, there is something not right about this location.

The film keeps you guessing every minute. Charlie McDowell wanted to challenge audiences. Great direction went out to the cast. I liked the dialogue. Most of the dialogue was improvised as the script mainly contained 50 pages of action.

The editing also deserves praise. The edits were cool. The actors had to match specific spots when they were talking to one another. Scenes of Duplass and Moss interacting with their own alternative was a successful acting challenge.

Though, McDowell over-explained too much ruining the ambiguity. I was intrigued by the alternative storyline as soon as it started. It kept me guessing what the second house was. A time portal? The rooms could switch places? Or an alternate universe?

The mystery of the house should have been kept more equivocal. Writers got carried away with what else they could do with this alternative universe. For example, in the beginning, one of them couldn’t get into the house even if they threw a rock at the glass. They shouldn’t have been able to look in through the glass to see what was happening.

The music wasn’t the best selection at times. It was too dramatic or it just didn’t fit with the tone of the scene.

Another issue I had with it was that this film takes place in one weekend? With everything that happens, it feels like they’re there for a week. The story was starting to get drawn out, losing that otherworldly feel. It also started to get redundant each time the characters took turns going inside the alternative house.

The One I Love supplies an ending that sticks with you long after the film is completed. Go watch it. Aside from a couple of flaws, it didn’t ruin my watch.