Watch I Do...Until I Don't
- R
- 2017
- 1 hr 43 min
-
4.4 (3,401)
I Do...Until I Don't is a romantic comedy from 2017 directed and written by Lake Bell. The movie explores the topic of marriage and what it takes to make it work, or not. The story follows three couples living in Vero Beach, Florida, as they navigate their relationships and the challenges that come with being married. The first couple we meet is Alice and Noah, played by Bell and Helms, respectively. They have been married for seven years, and Alice is an independent filmmaker who is working on a documentary about marriage. For the documentary, she meets a cynical and manipulative filmmaker named Vivian, played by Dolly Wells, who is convinced that marriage is a pointless and outdated institution. Vivian proposes a challenge to the couples she meets - they should try out her "tradition of ethical non-monogamy," where they are allowed to have affairs for a period of six months. After six months, they have to decide whether to continue the arrangement or end it.
The second couple we meet is Cybil and Harvey, played by Mary Steenburgen and Paul Reiser, respectively. They have been married for 31 years and are struggling with the monotony of their relationship. Cybil is a successful florist, and Harvey is a struggling writer who refuses to give up on his dream. The idea of trying out Vivian's challenge brings some excitement and unpredictability into their lives.
The last couple we meet is Fanny and Zander, played by Amber Heard and Wyatt Cenac, respectively. They are a free-spirited and unconventional couple in an open relationship. Fanny is a yoga instructor who believes in living life to the fullest, while Zander is a struggling musician who is not sure if he wants to continue with the relationship.
The movie follows the three couples as they try to adapt to the new arrangement proposed by Vivian. Alice and Noah are immediately skeptical of the proposal, while Cybil and Harvey are curious and excited. Fanny and Zander seem the most prepared for the challenge, but soon find themselves in unexpected situations.
As the six months pass, the couples each face their own challenges and struggles. Alice and Noah find themselves drifting apart and questioning their marriage, while Cybil and Harvey realize that they still have a deep connection and love for each other. Fanny and Zander's relationship becomes increasingly complicated as they navigate their feelings for each other and their other partners.
Along the way, we see the couples interact with each other, sharing their experiences and insights into the challenges of marriage. The movie highlights the importance of communication, honesty, and compromise in any relationship. It also questions the traditional notion of marriage and explores alternative modes of relationships - whether it's an open relationship or a monogamous one.
The movie's strength lies in the performances of its cast. Bell, Helms, Steenburgen, Reiser, Heard, and Cenac all deliver nuanced and believable performances. They bring depth and complexity to their characters, making them more than just caricatures of married couples.
The movie also benefits from Bell's direction and writing. She handles the topic of marriage with sensitivity and humor, never resorting to cliches or stereotypes. She also provides a fresh perspective on the topic, challenging the audience's assumptions and beliefs.
In conclusion, I Do...Until I Don't is a charming and thoughtful romantic comedy that explores the challenges and joys of marriage. It's a movie that will make you laugh and think, and one that will leave you with a greater appreciation for the complexity of relationships.
I Do...Until I Don't is a 2017 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4 and a MetaScore of 43.