Watch Jake Squared

Jake Squared is a unique and introspective film from 2013 about a filmmaker named Jake Klein, played by Elias Koteas, who is going through a mid-life crisis. Jake is struggling to find inspiration for his next film project and is contemplating ending his ten-year-long relationship with his girlfriend Sheryl, played by Jane Seymour. As he struggles with his personal and professional life, Jake finds himself being forced to confront his past and present in a surreal and dreamlike way.

The film is divided into two parts, the first consisting of interviews with Jake's family and friends, each discussing a different aspect of his personality and past. These interviews are intercut with scenes from Jake's life, depicting his relationships with Sheryl, his ex-wife, and his mother, who is in a nursing home suffering from Alzheimer's disease. As these interviews continue, Jake begins to question his own identity and the decisions he has made in his life, leading him to an existential crisis.

In the second part of the film, Jake begins to experience hallucinations and visions of younger versions of himself, played by Mike Vogel and Jennifer Jason Leigh, whom he engages in conversations about his past and his current situation. These younger versions of himself also interact with the present-day Jake, offering him a chance to reflect on his life and reconsider the choices he has made.

The film is a thought-provoking meditation on identity, regret, and the power of memory. It examines the ways in which our past shapes our present and how our personal histories can influence our self-perception. Throughout the film, Jake is forced to confront the darker aspects of his personality and the painful memories that he has been suppressing. The film also explores the ways in which people use their memories to construct a sense of self and how this construction can be influenced by our personal biases and experiences.

Elias Koteas delivers a stunning performance as Jake, portraying the character's emotional depth and complexity with nuance and subtlety. Virginia Madsen also delivers a powerful performance as Jake's ex-wife, who is still grappling with the emotional fallout of their divorce. Jennifer Jason Leigh is also excellent in her role as the younger version of Jake, conveying a sense of youthful energy and exuberance that stands in stark contrast to the older, more jaded version of the character.

The film's visual style reflects the themes of memory and identity that it explores. Director Howard Goldberg employs a variety of techniques, including split-screens and flashbacks, to create a dreamlike and fragmented visual narrative. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with the use of wide-angle lenses and close-ups to create a sense of intimacy and intensity.

Overall, Jake Squared is a riveting and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of human identity and the power of memory. It features powerful performances from its talented cast, excellent direction, and a visually stunning style. The film is a must-see for fans of character-driven dramas and introspective films that challenge viewers to question their own assumptions about themselves and their place in the world.

Jake Squared is a 2014 comedy. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.2 and a MetaScore of 30.