How much is too much, when attempting to maintain a romantic spark? With the rise of social media, Tinder, and many other apps on the market, dating has become more challenging and the ability to build or maintain solid relationships has become harder. So when people swipe, connect, and eventually/potentially become couples, what must be done to keep things interesting or fresh? It’s a fair question even though people may be hesitant to discuss it out in the open. Newness is an indie movie that not only approaches these questions head on, but hits the nail on the head.
It begins with Martin and Gabi. In present day Los Angeles, the two are otherwise unware of one another’s existence. That is of course until, they both ‘swipe right’ on their dating app. Assuming that what will be is simply just another hook-up, their interest of each other is peaked, and they rapidly begin a physically and emotionally passionate relationship that moves at warp speed. In the early stages, all is well. As they get to know each other better however, things become bland and lifeless. So in order to keep the fire burning, the couple decides to resort to unorthodox methods. It’s a fascinating story to say the least, told through the lens of each partner and how they view the relationship.
Newness is for anyone in the world today who is discovering it a task to find someone. Its attitude towards sex, romance, and relationships will have many viewers looking in the mirror so as to ask the relevant questions revolving around love and devotion.
This low key picture marks director Drake Doremus’ seventh time around calling the shots from the monitor for a feature length. His signature style of tight and highly concentrated cinematography is prevalent in Newness, this method serving as a benefit as the plot is an intimate one. Nicholas Hoult, made famous by About a Boy and solidified by the first two seasons of Skins, plays Martin. Regardless of the project, Hoult never disappoints and his role as Martin just continues the trend. His American west coast accent is without error, his emotional commitment to the part is fierce, and the natural micro-expressions and subtleties he’s able to exhibit afford him the ability to say much without saying anything. His co-star, Spanish actress Laia Costa, is just as enthralling as Gabi. Costa is convincing and never feels out of place. Her contributions to the argumentative scenes are some of the most interesting parts of the movie, and she’s able to get her point across with conviction and with ease. Then there is the script. Ben York Jones writes an engrossingly real story that as much as it is true to life, it is also quite literally new and intriguing.
Newness is for anyone in the world today who is discovering it a task to find someone. Its attitude towards sex, romance, and relationships will have many viewers looking in the mirror so as to ask the relevant questions revolving around love and devotion. It’s raw, and not always a pretty sight to behold, but it’s done so with purpose and it’s not the type of movie that is so commonly produced. See it on Netflix or order it online.
