Watch Take This Waltz

Take This Waltz is a romantic drama from 2011, directed by Sarah Polley, who is known for her unique storytelling style. This movie's cast includes Michelle Williams as Margot, Seth Rogen as Lou, and Sarah Silverman as Geraldine. The movie revolves around Margot, a young Canadian writer living in Toronto, who is struggling with her long-term marriage to Lou. The film explores the complexity of romantic relationships by depicting the highs and lows of an infatuated love, and the consequences of leaving behind a comfortable yet dispassionate relationship for a new one.

At the start of the film, Margot and Lou are seen returning from a vacation, where Margot meets Daniel, a handsome artist, on a plane. The atmosphere between Margot and Daniel is instantly charged with electricity, and they part ways at the airport. Margot tries to shake off her feeling of infatuation but is forced to come face to face with Daniel when she realizes that they live in the same neighborhood. As Margot and Daniel begin to interact more often, she grows increasingly conflicted about her marriage with Lou. Despite her happiness with Lou, Margot is haunted by the impulse to explore new connections and possibilities.

The movie's pacing is slow but purposeful, allowing the audience to take in the sights and sounds of the characters' lives while gradually building up tension. The characters are relatable, and their struggles are highlighted with wit and sensitivity. Margot is a nuanced character, with subtle shades of gray blurring her motivations, actions, and feelings. Daniel, on the other hand, is depicted as a carefree, artistic type who balances out Margot's buttoned-up personality.

Seth Rogen is known for his comedic roles, but in Take This Waltz, he brings humanity and vulnerability to Lou. Lou is the anchor in Margot's life, but he's also someone who takes her for granted. Lou is content with a domesticated existence: cooking, cleaning, and playing video games, but his lack of passion for life and conversations affects Margot. Through his performance, Rogen shows Lou's complex emotions, which range from deep love for his wife to repressed anger towards her for taking him for granted.

Sarah Silverman plays Geraldine, Margot's alcoholic sister-in-law. Despite her limited screentime, Silverman manages to bring considerable depth and nuance to Geraldine's character. Geraldine offers a new perspective on relationships and the consequences of ending a relationship. She is a source of wisdom for Margot, reminding her of the importance of the bigger picture in life and challenging her assumptions about love and happiness.

The movie's soundtrack is a noteworthy aspect that adds an extra layer of poignancy to the romantic undertones. The songs, including "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles and "Close to Me" by The Cure, evoke nostalgia and a sense of wistfulness.

The cinematography is also noteworthy, with the camera capturing Toronto's scenic beauty in a romantic, artful way. The changing seasons and temperatures of the city become significant elements in the film's mood and color palette. The locations, including a community swimming pool, a carnival, and the beach, all play integral parts in the film's depiction of Margot's journey.

Take This Waltz is a contemplative, raw exploration of relationships, infatuation, and the desire for something more. The portrayal of Margot's character is particularly compelling as the film delves deeper into her emotional landscape. The movie challenges the traditional notions of love and happiness, exploring the consequences of prioritizing our desires over our commitments. Despite its slow pace, the film is engaging and impactful, delivering a poignant message about the complexity of human emotions. It's an ambitious, thought-provoking film that explores the nuances of relationships with unflinching honesty.

Take This Waltz is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 68.