The One I Love (2014) Movie Review

Charlie McDowell's first film, "The One I Love," featuring Mark Duplass and Elizabeth Moss, has an intriguing setup that keeps viewers hooked. The movie explores numerous possibilities, drawing inspiration from Hitchcock's style. The story unfolds seamlessly, much like a well-timed stopwatch, with events feeling inevitable yet maintaining a logical flow.

The film, blending romance, mystery, and drama, revolves around two main characters played by Duplass and Moss. Despite being somewhat like sketches of real people, their performances infuse sadness and humor. The script, penned by Justin Lader, even references "The Twilight Zone," emphasizing the film's mysterious nature. Going in without knowing the twist adds to the enjoyment, as everything is not as it appears.

Ethan (Duplass) and Sophie (Moss) attend marriage counseling due to common issues like infidelity, communication problems, and a lack of intimacy. Longing for their past happiness, the couple decides to embark on a counselor-recommended "retreat" weekend. The secluded location, a spacious old house with a pool and guest house, sets the stage for the unfolding events.

Cinematographer Doug Emmett enhances the atmosphere with dark shadows and unique perspectives, creating a creepy, horror-movie vibe. The couple's mundane marriage becomes eerie through clever filming techniques, adding suspense to whether something is lurking or if they're being observed. Even the counseling scenes are transformed with stark noir shadows and mysterious angles, making the everyday aspects of Ethan and Sophie's relationship feel strange and foreboding.

During their getaway at the big house, Ethan and Sophie decide to unwind by making dinner, enjoying some wine, and even trying a bit of pot. The tension between Duplass and Moss's characters starts to lift as laughter fills the air, offering a much-needed sense of relief. It's like they're rediscovering the reasons they got together in the first place. That night, they end up in the guest house, and things get intimate. However, the next morning, Ethan has no recollection of the night before, leaving them puzzled.

As odd occurrences continue, all seemingly tied to the guest house, Ethan and Sophie get spooked and initially flee the property. Yet, the mystery lures them back, thinking their marriage counselor might be onto something worth exploring. The film takes a twist as they expose themselves to a Hall of Mirrors, revealing disturbing secrets that pile up gradually. The entire story relies heavily on the convincing chemistry between Duplass and Moss, as they navigate a very real relationship filled with shared joy and numerous challenges.

Apart from the counselor, there are no other characters, emphasizing the two actors' ability to bring authenticity to their roles. Ethan and Sophie's boredom with life and each other is palpable, and their attempt at trying something new, like "going horseback riding with a satchel of wine," reflects their ordinary yet unique situation.

At a concise 91 minutes, "The One I Love" is a confidently entertaining debut, offering intriguing insights into identity, relationships, connection, and destiny. It keeps you engaged, delivering its messages with a touch of fun and a dash of mystery.