Watch Life Itself
- R
- 2018
- 1 hr 58 min
-
6.9 (25,300)
Life Itself is a 2018 romantic drama film directed by Dan Fogelman. The movie stars Oscar Isaac, Olivia Wilde, Annette Bening, Mandy Patinkin, and Antonio Banderas in prominent roles. The plot revolves around the lives of two families in different parts of the world, connected by a tragic incident. The movie begins with the narration of Samuel L. Jackson, who introduces the concept of unreliable narrators in literature and movies. The opening scene shows Will (Oscar Isaac) and Abby (Olivia Wilde) in a therapist's office, discussing their relationship. They are both deeply in love but have been through some tough times which have affected their communication.
The story then jumps back and forth in time, exploring the lives of the characters in different phases. Will is a writer, who lost both his parents at a young age and struggles to cope with the loss. Abby is studying to be a therapist, with a troubled past of her own. Their relationship is fraught with misunderstandings and emotional baggage, but they try their best to make it work.
The second half of the movie takes a different turn, introducing a whole new set of characters. We are introduced to Javier (Sergio Peris-Mencheta) and Isabel (Laia Costa), a couple living in Spain, who are expecting their first child. They are hired by Mr. Saccione (Antonio Banderas), a wealthy landowner, to work on his olive farm. Javier and Isabel struggle to make a life for themselves, in a foreign country with a language barrier.
The lives of these two couples may seem unrelated at first, but a shocking incident brings them together in a tragic way. The movie then explores the aftermath of this event, as the characters try to adjust to their new reality.
One of the most notable aspects of the movie is the non-linear narrative style. The story jumps back and forth in time, exploring different phases of the characters' lives. This can be confusing at times, but it also adds to the suspense and intrigue of the plot.
Another strong aspect of the movie is the acting. Oscar Isaac and Olivia Wilde have great chemistry on screen, portraying the complexities of their characters' relationship with ease. Annette Bening also delivers a powerful performance as Dr. Morris, Abby's therapist.
The movie also has beautiful cinematography, with stunning shots of New York City and the Spanish countryside. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring songs from Bob Dylan and other classic artists.
Overall, Life Itself is a moving and thought-provoking movie that explores the highs and lows of life, love, and loss. It has a powerful message about the importance of connection and empathy, even in the face of tragedy. The non-linear narrative style may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for those who appreciate a challenging and emotional movie, it is definitely worth checking out.
Life Itself is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 21.