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Older, a poignant film released in 2020, tackles the universal themes of love, life, and the passage of time. The film delves into the minds of two tireless creatives, offering the audience a window into their relationships, personal struggles, and their journey towards self-discovery. The movie is a brainchild of New Zealand actor and screenwriter Guy Pigden, who not only penned the script but also took on one of the lead roles. Sharing the spotlight with Pigden is the incredibly talented Liesha Ward Knox, who adds depth and authenticity to her character. Astra McLaren, equally convincing in her role, completes the lead trio, contributing to the powerful dynamics that the film skillfully explores.

Older primarily unfolds through the perspective of Alex (Guy Pigden), an aspiring filmmaker embarking on the journey of making his first feature film. Alex’s world is filled with endless ideas, unwavering passion, and relentless determination. However, beneath his creative enthusiasm lies an undercurrent of uncertainty, personal conflict, and emotional turmoil.

On the other hand, Liesha Ward Knox portrays Alex's conflictor and confidante - his longtime partner Emma. Sharing a similar creative spirit, Emma is a gifted writer battling her share of personal challenges. The complexities, nuances, and subtleties of their relationship unravel as they negotiate their hopes, dreams, fears, and insecurities.

Astra McLaren's character Ellie, Alex's childhood friend, introduces an interesting triangulation. The film takes an interesting turn when Ellie's return after many years starts influencing the otherwise stable dynamics between Alex and Emma. Through Ellie, the film intelligently explores the themes of nostalgia, friendship, and second chances.

Older is complemented by a visually appealing mise-en-scene, set primarily in the awe-inspiring landscapes of New Zealand. Each socio-geographic arena adorning the film serves as a metaphor for the characters’ inner mindscapes. While the grandeur of the mountainous regions symbolizes the heaviness of their hearts, the expansiveness of the open sky stands for their limitless dreams and boundless resilience.

The film is more than just a tale of personal strife and enduring relationships. It’s also an ode to the struggles that independent filmmakers and artists confront. Through Alex's storyline, the movie paints a vivid picture of the simultaneous euphoria and dilemma that a creative mind experiences while on a journey to reach a mass audience. His struggle, persistence, and emotional upheaval reflect the real-world challenges that every indie filmmaker battles in pursuit of a successful cinematic piece.

Lying under the subtleties of the storyline is a deeper philosophical exposition. The movie questions the very concept of age and relativity of time. As the title suggests, 'Older' isn’t just about growing chronologically older. Instead, it explores how experiences, relationships, and the endeavor to fulfil one’s dreams can either age one prematurely or keep one eternally young at heart.

The film’s narrative adopts a non-linear storytelling style, jumping between time frames, thus hooking the audience with its unpredictability. The movie also intriguingly uses the device of ‘film within a film,' unveiling layers of meta-cinema. Real and imagined worlds intertwine, mirroring the chaos and harmony that exist within the minds of the characters.

Older, despite delving into bittersweet themes such as heartbreak, separation, and life's unpredictability, doesn’t shy away from infusing moments of comic relief. The organic humor peppered throughout the narrative lightens the otherwise serious undertones, making Older a thoroughly engaging cinematic experience.

The movie reaches its audience at different levels, owing to its multidimensional characters that audience members can wholly empathize with. The stellar performances, along with the compelling narrative, make it emotionally resonant, allowing viewers to see a part of themselves reflected in it.

Older is a poignant, inspiring, and engaging cinematic masterpiece that explores the world of creativity and the whirls of intimate relationships like never before. While it may challenge you to reflect on the intricacies of your own journey, it will also fill your heart with hope, resilience, and an appreciation for the undeniable power of time.

Older is a 2020 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.