Before Midnight
Everything's better with maturity.
Overview
It has been nine years since we last met Jesse and Celine, the French-American couple who once met on a train in Vienna. They now live in Paris with twin daughters but have spent a summer in Greece at the invitation of an author colleague of Jesse's. When the vacation is over and Jesse must send his teenage son off to the States, he begins to question his life decisions, and his relationship with Celine is at risk.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
The 'Before' trilogy, starting with 'Before Sunrise,' has become a cultural touchstone for exploring different stages of a relationship every nine years. 'Before Midnight' dares to show the less glamorous, sometimes painful realities of long-term commitment, challenging the idealized notions often portrayed in romantic films. The film's authenticity resonates strongly because it feels like eavesdropping on a real couple's intimate struggles.
- Realistic and nuanced portrayal of a long-term relationship, avoiding simplistic romantic tropes.
- Exceptional acting and naturalistic dialogue, making the characters feel authentic and relatable.
- Explores complex themes of love, commitment, resentment, aging, and the challenges of maintaining a relationship over time.
- Beautifully shot in Greece, capturing the essence of the location and adding to the film's atmosphere.
Fun Facts
- The script was heavily improvised, with Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, and Richard Linklater workshopping scenes and crafting dialogue together.
- Much of the film takes place in one long, unbroken take, highlighting the intensity and rawness of the characters' arguments.
- The film subtly references earlier films in the trilogy, such as the 'record store' anecdote reimagined with their children.