Upon walking into the cinema to see Charlie McDowel”s debut feature The One I Love, it’s difficult to know quite what to expect, as highly original films that blend a variety of genres, from romantic to sci-fi to comedy to drama, come along very rarely. What transpires is one of the most innovative and enjoyable films in years.
Opening in a handful of couples’ counselling sessions, we’re introduced to Ethan (Mark Duplass) and Sophie (Elisabeth Moss), whose marriage is seemingly on the brink of dissolution. In the intervening years since they first met, they’ve slowly drifted apart, with a past betrayal of trust on Ethan’s part in particular, that they are struggling to move on from. At the recommendation of their therapist (Ted Danson, in a great but minor role), the two pack their bags for a weekend getaway at a secluded house in the country, in an attempt to rekindle the spark and rediscover their earlier, happy selves. But when they discover a mysterious guest house on the premises, in which their earlier, happy selves seem to be living, the whole romantic-drama takes a huge turn, adding in touches of comedy and sci-fi, in an incredibly refreshing new take on the doppelgänger genre.
The conceit points to so many failed, failing, or troubled relationships, in which individuals often start out giving a heightened, “better” sense of themselves to impress the other, before gradually over time revealing a “truer” self. What then would happen if, in ten years’ time, in the midst of marital disillusionment, you were to meet the person whom you thought you had originally fallen in love with? Would you want the reality, or would you want the illusion? And even more frighteningly, what if you were to meet yourself who’s 20% better than you in all aspects? What would, or could, you do then?
In no uncertain terms, Moss and Duplass are nothing short of exceptional in their dual roles here, grounding the film in reality whilst simultaneously exploring its fantastical elements to great entertainment and effect. The improvised nature of their dialogue is exemplary of exactly how talented the two are. Never, for one faltering moment, are we left thinking about Moss and Duplass as actors whilst they’re on screen, and that speaks volumes of a doppelgänger movie’s success. They inhabit their two roles so well, convincing us of both their broken-down marriage and their picture-perfect selves.
A scene in which the two Sophies mentally face off against one another over a shared bottle of wine is a startling display of talent, and Moss is sublime in her performances throughout. Duplass, equally, gives one of the greatest performances of his diverse career to date, keeping within the mumblecore feel whilst venturing into some seriously interesting territory as Ethan’s two selves, peaking in an intellectual show-down in a game of poker between the men.
With everything coming to a head in an unpredictable third act that will keep you guessing right up until the end, the film is guaranteed to spark debate amongst its viewers, which is a perfect testament to its greatness. The One I Love is a triumphant debut for McDowell, one that bodes so well for both him and writer Justin Lader. A rare gem that comes along once in a blue moon, blending genres in a way that just wouldn’t work in lesser hands, telling a story you’re likely only to see just this once.
[Rating:5/5]
