Watch Love Is Strange

Love Is Strange is a touching and poignant drama that explores the complexities of love and relationships. Directed by Ira Sachs, the film follows the lives of Ben (John Lithgow) and George (Alfred Molina), a newly married couple from New York City. The two have been in a loving and committed relationship for nearly four decades, and after many years of waiting, they finally tie the knot in a beautiful and intimate ceremony.

However, their joy is short-lived, as George is fired from his job as a music teacher at a Catholic school when news of their marriage reaches the archdiocese. With their finances in disarray, Ben and George are forced to sell their apartment and move in separately with family and friends. Ben stays with his nephew Elliot (Darren Burrows) and his wife Kate (Marisa Tomei), while George stays with their old neighbors, two young gay cops who throw loud parties that keep him up at night.

As Ben and George adjust to their new living situations, their love for each other is tested in unexpected ways. Ben has always been something of a control freak, and his presence in Elliot and Kate's home puts a strain on their relationship. Meanwhile, George's living situation forces him to reconcile with the fact that he is no longer young and carefree, and confront the reality of growing older.

Through it all, Love Is Strange is a beautiful and moving portrait of love, sacrifice, and the boundless nature of the human heart. The film is anchored by the incredible performances of Lithgow and Molina, both of whom imbue their characters with a deep sense of pathos and vulnerability. They are not just gay characters, but fully realized human beings who are grappling with the same issues and challenges as everyone else.

Director Sachs infuses the film with a quiet grace and simplicity, reminding us that sometimes the most profound moments in life come in the form of small gestures and quiet revelations. The film's understated tone and naturalistic performances give it a sense of authenticity and honesty that is often lacking in Hollywood depictions of gay relationships.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its exploration of the complex relationship between love and money. At its core, Love Is Strange is a story about economic hardship and the ways in which financial struggles can strain the bonds of even the most loving and committed relationships. The film doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of modern America, where even married couples can find themselves on the brink of homelessness due to circumstances beyond their control.

Yet at the same time, the film is a testament to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the hurdles that Ben and George face, they refuse to give up on each other, and their love remains a constant presence through all their trials and tribulations.

Overall, Love Is Strange is a beautiful and deeply affecting film that explores the many facets of love and relationships with sensitivity, grace, and intelligence. With its outstanding performances, nuanced writing, and understated direction, it is a standout film in the pantheon of modern LGBT cinema, and a powerful reminder of the enduring power of love.

Love Is Strange is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 82.