Watch Twice Upon A Time

Twice Upon A Time is an engaging, evocative yet emotionally raw and complex show that aired on Arte in 2019. It is an intimate look at the human condition, love, loss, and the tricky labyrinth of complex emotions that define our lives and relationships, employing an expertly orchestrated narrative that dances between two distinctly different timelines.

The French mini-series, conceived by a charming blend of talented forces in the show business, was directed by Guillaume Nicloux and written by Nicloux and Nathalie Leuthreau. The main protagonists are played by actors Gaspard Ulliel and Freya Mavor, who capture viewers with their remarkable performances.

The core story revolves around Vincent Dauda (played by Gaspard Ulliel), a heartbroken man who's left emotionally decimated and in utter despair after his beloved wife Louise (played by Freya Mavor) decides to leave him. A mysterious thrift shop owner grants him a unique gift - a wooden Oriental box, which he would soon discover, has the power to transport him back in time.

From this point forward, an intense, mystical, and poignant narrative unfolds, making Twice Upon A Time a moving journey through two very different versions of the protagonist's life. At the heart of this story are changes and ramifications as the lead character finds himself caught in a heartbreaking tangle of the past and the present.

Intricate, convincing, and compelling, the narrative takes you deeper into the labyrinth of love and emotions. Meanwhile, viewers are drawn into the tantalizing cyclical structure of events that promote reflection on the universal themes of love, acceptance, and the stark realities of life.

The series is set amidst the scenic locales of Paris, and the cinematography deserves a special mention. The lens beautifully captures the vagaries of the atmospheric city, which serves as a crucial character in the narrative, deftly mirroring the protagonist's extraordinary journey.

The show peppers in moments of melancholic contemplation and regret, raw vulnerability, and heart-wrenching emotions, all threaded together with the theme of love and loss, which forms the backbone of the narrative. Despite its recurrent theme of melancholia, the series is not without its glimmers of hope and brighter moments too.

Twice Upon A Time does an excellent job at exploring various emotional states and themes related to personal relationships through its characters. In its very essence, it explores a multitude of human reactions and emotions, from spousal empathy and regret to self-examination and rediscovery. It showcases multiple dimensions of love, and the trials and tribulations that come with the process of letting go and moving on.

Vincent's exploits in the past are soaked in nostalgia and longing, while the present-day narrative captures his immediate responses and his struggle to reconcile his stifling emotional state. As viewers, we are allowed to intimately observe how people tend to alter the past's realities and their desired outcomes, offering introspective insights into denial, regret, and acceptance. The series effortlessly transports you between the key timelines, leaving you entranced by the surreal nature of the premise.

Time travel element, a definitive twist in the show, is instrumental in driving the narrative forward. This intriguing aspect picks the curiosity of the viewers while uncovering new facets of Vincent's journey and character. The time-travel aspect is artistically woven into the tapestry of the narrative, which makes it more appealing and thought-provoking rather than outlandishly fantastical.

Performance-wise all the actors in Twice Upon A Time have played their parts magnificently. Gaspard Ulliel and Freya Mavor are particularly compelling, getting under the skin of their characters, and delivering multilayered performances that resonate with viewers.

The show manages to strike the right chord with viewers not only because of its universal themes but also because the director paces it in a manner that each event creates an impact. Moreover, the creatives have ensured to personify the characters in realistic ways, making them relatable and their emotions tangible.

Twice Upon A Time is a mesmerizing tale, which is equally endearing as it is heartrending, grappling with a beautiful yet painful exploration of love, time, change, and the acceptance of certain uncomfortable truths. It takes audiences on an engaging journey through human emotions at their rawest, making it a deeply resonant experience.