Relationships are hard work, but it doesn’t get easier juggling two of them. The Lovers, written and directed by Azazel Jacobs, looks at a married couple where both people are having an affair. It’s an intriguing premise that is shot beautifully and acted expertly all under competent direction by Jacobs.
The Lovers is an interesting take on the romantic comedy
Michael (Tracy Letts) and Mary (Debra Winger) clearly have had a difficult marriage and have found themselves in serious affairs unbeknownst to each other. Their new relationships seem more complicated than what is seen of their current marriage, but Lucy (Melora Walters) and Robert (Aidan Gillen) clearly offer something missing in the marriage. When their son, Joel (Tyler Ross), informs them of his plan to bring his new girlfriend Erin (Jessica Sula) to meet them that prompts both to set the date to end the marriage. Yet, it’s in the anticipation of their son’s arrival that a spark reignites between the married couple making them question their secret, yet identical, plans.
Letts and Winger are fantastic in this movie. It’s a quiet film that really allows the actors to dwell in their uncertainty. The framing of the shots in the film by Tobias Datum allow for the audience to really grasp the weight of the problems each character is going through. The performances that Letts and Winger give in both the dramatic and intimate scenes are perfect. Letts particularly gets to show how torn he is as his feeling for his wife return, but he is in this intense relationship with a younger dance instructor. He has some fun scenes that is basically by himself where he can’t contain his frustration or excitement depending on the moment.
The film really makes you feel the discomfort the characters are experiencing. Winger especially seems to be torn about what to do. There is a moment that she is on the phone with her husband and Richard is watching from a distance. The call starts as a necessary connection to lie about their whereabouts, but soon evolves into a flirtatious hookup plan. Her body language changes from a slightly irritated wife to a flirty high school girl being wooed by her beau. It’s a subtle performance that really signifies the talent of both the cast and the writing in the film.
Final thoughts…
This film could definitely make people uncomfortable, but it’s full of moments of joy as well. It’s about people who aren’t necessarily good, but aren’t clearly bad either. Since both parties are guilty it’s hard to blame either one of them. Yet, while the audience is left dwelling in the uncertainty of the characters lives, Jacobs manages to still find humor in their lives. The Lovers earns the Not Quite Golden, Ponyboy rating.
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