Newness (2017): A Modern Romance Explored
Hey guys! Ever feel like modern dating is a maze? Let's dive into Newness, a 2017 film that gets right into the heart of relationships in the age of dating apps and social media. This movie isn't just another rom-com; it's a raw, sometimes uncomfortable, but always real look at love, lust, and the search for something genuine in a world that often feels disposable. So, grab your popcorn, and let's unpack what makes Newness such a compelling watch.
The Allure of "Newness"
The film Newness, directed by Drake Doremus, throws us headfirst into the lives of Gabi and Martin, two young millennials living in Los Angeles. Both are navigating the world of online dating, swiping left and right, and engaging in casual encounters. What starts as a modern, no-strings-attached relationship quickly evolves into something more complex. Newness explores the initial high of a new relationship, the intense physical connection, and the emotional rollercoaster that follows. Doremus masterfully captures the fleeting moments of joy and the underlying anxiety that comes with knowing that everything could disappear with a swipe. The film delves into how easily we can replace one person with another in the digital age, and the impact this has on our ability to form deep, meaningful connections. It's a story that resonates with anyone who's ever felt lost in the sea of faces on a dating app, searching for something real amidst the endless possibilities.
Moreover, the exploration of open relationships in Newness provides a fascinating lens through which to examine modern love. Gabi and Martin, grappling with their growing feelings for each other, decide to experiment with an open relationship. This decision leads them down a path filled with jealousy, insecurity, and the constant questioning of their own desires and boundaries. The film doesn't shy away from portraying the difficulties and complexities of such an arrangement, showing us the emotional toll it takes on both characters. We see them wrestling with their own insecurities, their fears of losing each other, and the challenges of maintaining honesty and communication in the face of temptation. Ultimately, Newness challenges us to consider whether open relationships can truly work, or if they are simply a temporary fix for deeper, unresolved issues within ourselves and our relationships. It's a thought-provoking exploration of the evolving landscape of love and commitment in the 21st century.
Diving Deeper into the Characters
Nicholas Hoult and Laia Costa deliver outstanding performances as Martin and Gabi, respectively. They bring a raw vulnerability to their roles, making their characters relatable and believable. You really feel their initial excitement, their growing affection, and, eventually, their confusion and pain. Hoult portrays Martin as a somewhat reserved and introspective character, while Costa embodies Gabi with a more impulsive and free-spirited energy. Their contrasting personalities create a dynamic tension that drives the narrative forward. As they navigate the complexities of their relationship, we see them both evolve and confront their own personal demons. Martin struggles with his insecurities and his fear of commitment, while Gabi grapples with her desire for freedom and her longing for something more meaningful. The actors' ability to convey these internal struggles through subtle gestures and nuanced expressions is a testament to their talent.
The supporting cast also adds depth and texture to the story. They represent different facets of modern relationships, from the casual hookups to the long-term commitments. These characters provide a contrasting backdrop against which Gabi and Martin's relationship unfolds, highlighting the various possibilities and pitfalls of modern love. They also serve as sounding boards for Gabi and Martin, offering advice and perspective as they navigate their own challenges. Through these interactions, the film explores the diverse ways in which people approach relationships in the digital age, and the impact that these choices have on their lives.
Visuals and Soundtrack: Setting the Mood
The film's aesthetic is very much in line with Doremus's signature style – intimate, handheld camera work, natural lighting, and a focus on capturing authentic moments. This approach creates a sense of immediacy and realism, drawing the viewer into the characters' emotional world. The film's setting, Los Angeles, is portrayed as a vibrant and seductive backdrop, adding to the allure and excitement of the story. The city's sprawling landscape and diverse population reflect the endless possibilities and the sense of anonymity that characterize modern dating. The film's visuals are complemented by a carefully curated soundtrack that perfectly captures the mood and tone of each scene. The music ranges from upbeat electronic tracks to melancholic indie songs, reflecting the emotional highs and lows of Gabi and Martin's relationship. The soundtrack enhances the overall viewing experience, adding another layer of depth and complexity to the story.
The soundtrack becomes a character in itself, underscoring the emotional beats and amplifying the feelings of the characters. The carefully chosen songs mirror the characters' internal states, creating a powerful connection between the visuals and the music. Whether it's a pulsing electronic track that reflects the initial excitement of a new encounter, or a somber indie song that underscores a moment of heartbreak, the music enhances the emotional impact of each scene. This synergy between visuals and music elevates Newness beyond a typical romantic drama, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Why Newness Resonates Today
In a world saturated with dating apps and fleeting connections, Newness hits hard because it reflects the anxieties and uncertainties that many of us face. The film doesn't offer easy answers or a neatly wrapped-up ending. Instead, it leaves us pondering the complexities of love and relationships in the digital age. It raises questions about commitment, monogamy, and the search for authenticity in a world that often feels artificial. The film's open-ended conclusion encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs about love and relationships. It challenges us to consider what we truly want from a partner, and what we are willing to sacrifice in order to achieve it.
Furthermore, Newness holds a mirror up to our own behaviors and expectations in the realm of modern dating. The film exposes the superficiality and the disposability that can often characterize online interactions. It forces us to confront the ways in which we judge and evaluate potential partners based on curated profiles and carefully crafted online personas. Newness also highlights the challenges of maintaining genuine connections in a world where it's so easy to swipe away and move on to the next option. The film's honest and unflinching portrayal of these issues makes it a relevant and thought-provoking commentary on the current state of love and relationships.
Final Thoughts: Is Newness Worth Watching?
So, is Newness worth your time? If you're looking for a lighthearted rom-com, this might not be it. But if you're craving a film that explores the messy, complicated, and often confusing realities of modern love, then definitely give it a watch. Just be prepared to feel a little uncomfortable, maybe even a little challenged. But hey, isn't that what good art is supposed to do? Newness is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting you to question your own beliefs and assumptions about love and relationships. It's a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human heart in the digital age, and a film that deserves to be seen and discussed.
Ultimately, Newness is a film that encourages us to embrace the ambiguity and the uncertainty of modern love. It reminds us that there are no easy answers or perfect formulas for finding happiness in relationships. Instead, it suggests that the key lies in being honest with ourselves and with our partners, in communicating openly and vulnerably, and in being willing to take risks and make mistakes along the way. So, if you're ready to confront the complexities of modern love and to explore the uncharted territories of the human heart, then Newness is a film that will challenge you, inspire you, and leave you pondering the mysteries of love long after the screen fades to black.