A mind and genre-bending drama is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and hailed by fans as a “uniquely fascinating”. The One I Love (2014) is a surrealist thriller/romance/comedy that focuses on a married couple, Sophie (played by Mad Men and The Handmaid’s Tale star Elisabeth Moss) and Ethan (Mark Duplass), who go to a sprawling retreat at their therapist’s suggestion to save their relationship.
However, the getaway takes a surreal turn when they make a bizarre and unsettling discovery. It was directed by Charlie McDowell (The Discovery, Windfall) and written by Justin Lade. It was lauded for its intriguing mix of genres, with some comparing it to classic sci-fi, and others singling out its subtle examination of relationships for praise.
Fans flocked to Rotten Tomatoes to give the film its flowers, with one writing in 2015: “This one was a favourite at last year’s Sundance, and it’s easy to see why. Unconventional look at the nature of marriage – this is quirky ensemble acting at its best. A little charmer.”
Another wrote: “One of my favourite indie films of the last 10 years! It’s trippy like the Twilight Zone, and the twist will haunt your dreams.”
Some viewers took issue with aspects of the story, with one writing: “Towards the end things really start to fall apart as the explanation becomes ever more nonsensical and there doesn’t really seem to be an ultimate reason for any of this, but it’s not a bad film.”
Others suggested “the eventual failure in creating depth and detail into the characters turned this movie into a one-night fling”.
But a number of Audience Reviewers were taken with the unconventional drama, and said its depth makes it rewatchable.
One said it’s one of “the most interesting expressions of relationships and and growth I’ve seen in a long time”.
“Seeing these dynamics we can all relate to played out on screen was a surreal experience. It’s definitely a mind-bender. It’s one of those films that you benefit from watching it more than once.”
Another said, “to say too much about The One I Love would be to do a disservice to the experience of seeing it”.
“What I can say is it’s a uniquely fascinating indie rom-com with a twist of Lynchian tone that studies the boredom yet comfort that comes with marriage.
“Duplass and Moss both give really cool and subtle performances in a movie that asks them to do more than one might expect. Funny, disturbing, complex, weird, and strangely sweet.”
The film has an 83% score on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer (reflecting the percentage of approved critics who have given it a positive review). It has a 76% score among general audiences.
While the film doesn’t appear to have a UK BBFC certification, in the US it’s Rated R for language, some sexuality and drug use – so may not be for everyone.
The One I Love is available to rent or buy on various platforms, including YouTube, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime.
