Watch The Pretend One

The Pretend One is an Australian romantic drama film from 2017, directed by Tony Prescott. The movie follows the story of Charlie and Hugo, two individuals who live in the same small town but have never met before. Charlie is a young woman who has a vivid imagination and creates an imaginary friend named Hugo, who is everything she wants in a partner, humorous, charming, and caring. On the other hand, Hugo is an older man who is dying from cancer, and he is in need of someone to talk to and connect with as he feels like he has been isolated from the world.

One day, Charlie enters a talent show in hopes of winning a prize money so she could take her grandmother to Germany for experimental medical treatments, but she freezes up on stage. In an act of courage, Charlie pretends that Hugo is her dance partner and performs a heartfelt routine. The crowd is moved, and she wins the competition, but the lie leads her to a crossroads. To keep up the deception, Charlie must pretend that Hugo is real and bring him to events where he is expected to interact with the community.

As Charlie and Hugo's bond deepens, they realize that what they have is more than just a pretend friendship, and they both start to rely on each other for support. However, the complications arise when Charlie's family discovers that she has a boyfriend who they've never met. To make matters worse, Hugo's health takes a turn, and they both face the possibility of losing everything they have built.

The Pretend One explores themes of love, loneliness, and imagination in a heartwarming story. The film's direction and cinematography capture the beauty of the Australian countryside while maintaining a focus on the characters' emotions and their connections. The acting performances of David Field, Geraldine Hakewill, and Elijah Perris are convincing, and they bring depth and authenticity to their respective roles.

The movie tackles serious issues such as mental health, illness, and grief, but it also carries an uplifting message about acceptance and the power of imagination. The film's script is well-written, and the dialogues between Charlie and Hugo are witty, endearing, and thoughtful.

Overall, The Pretend One is a poignant and thought-provoking movie that deals with complex issues in a creative and compassionate manner. The film's unique premise and brilliant execution make it a must-watch for anyone looking for a fresh perspective on romance and friendship.

The Pretend One is a 2017 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.