Almost in Love

Almost in Love is a remarkable romantic comedy-drama from writer and director Sam Neave that was filmed almost exclusively in two single long takes. The film showcases Alex Karpovsky, Marjan Neshat, and Gary Wilmes as they explore the complexities of love, friendship, and the blurred lines between the two in devastating yet comical scenarios.

First released in 2011, Almost in Love revolves around Karpovsky's character Sasha, a perennial bachelor who loves his life of independence while simultaneously dreading loneliness. His fear of commitment and his amorous adventures frequently land him in awkward situations, providing a hilarious and poignant backdrop to this emotionally engaging movie.

Sasha is entangled in a complex relationship with two other principal characters, Mia (played by Marjan Neshat), his ex, and Kyle (Gary Wilmes), his best friend. These intertwined roles add depth to the movie as the characters navigate the emotional labyrinth of love and friendship over an extended period.

The film begins with a casual gathering at Sasha's Staten Island home, wherein the viewer gets their first introduction to these interesting characters and the ties that bind them. As the day unravels into the evening, the ensuing dialogues and interactions between them gradually unveil a tangled web of emotions, misunderstandings, and misgivings, layered with witty humor.

Neaves, who doubles as the film's writer and director, uses unique film-making tactics to catch the viewer's attention and maintain interest throughout the story. The film comprises only two long shots, a method infrequently employed in contemporary cinema but proved impactful in Almost in Love. The first shot marks the beginning of our protagonists' encounter and the start of various scattered thoughts about love, life, and friendship. In contrast, the second shot shows the characters after a gap of eighteen months, consolidating the transformation in their lives and relationships.

Throughout the movie, the line between reality and fiction becomes blurred, mirroring the characters' own confusion over the blurred lines between love and friendship, providing a profound understanding of the human condition. The film's dialogue is as spontaneous and natural as its visual style, which adds to the overall authenticity of the almost painfully relatable story.

Sasha's character, portrayed by Alex Karpovsky, is a deeply relatable and intriguing one. He, like many modern individuals, struggles to come to terms with the concept of love while cherishing his freedom. He has a cunning wit and charming ineptness that keeps the audience hooked for the entirety of the movie.

As Mia, Marjan Neshat projects an exquisite balance between vulnerability and confidence. Her tenuous relationship with Sasha and her friendship with Kyle resonate deeply with audiences who have experienced the struggles of intertwined romantic and platonic relationships. Gary Wilmes' Kyle is a mature counter-balance to Sasha's carefree demeanor, contributing another fascinating layer to this character-driven film.

Almost in Love is an intriguingly fresh take on the romantic comedy-drama genre, showing an unconventional relationship with a realistic portrayal of emotions. Neave's stellar direction and the compelling performances of the cast make this indie film a must-watch. It's not just a play of love triangles but a deeper exploration of human connections, guilt, vulnerability, and the profoundness of the heart that often goes beyond the comprehension of the mind. The movie asks pertinent questions and leaves the spectator contemplating the answers long after the credits roll. The achievement of Almost in Love lies in its ability to resonate with the audience's own experiences with love, friendship, and everything in between, in an engaging, entertaining, and thought-provoking way.