And Then Came Lola

And Then Came Lola is an American romantic comedy film, released in 2009. The film stars are Ashleigh Sumner as Lola, Jill Bennett as Casey, and Cathy DeBuono as Danielle. Directed by the filmmaking team of Ellen Seidler and Megan Siler, the movie incorporates a unique mixture of comedy, romance, and elements of time-loop drama.

The film's protagonist is the talented and eccentric Lola, portrayed superbly by Ashleigh Sumner. Lola is a photographer in San Francisco, known for her free-spirited independence yet burdened by her tendency to be chronically late. This invariably charming character is embedded with a touch of humor, keeping the audience grinning throughout her on-screen journey.

The crux of the story revolves around one of the most momentous days in Lola's life. She has been entrusted with an incredibly important task by her girlfriend Casey (Jill Bennett) - to deliver a set of crucial photographs for a client. If Lola succeeds, Casey stands a chance of landing a significant job opportunity – one that could quite potentially transform her professional life.

Ashleigh Sumner's portrayal of Lola makes the film a magnetic watch as we follow her on her wild run and witness how her day unfolds in an eventful and gripping fashion. In an interesting twist to the typical romantic-comedy themes, ‘And Then Came Lola’ borrows a concept from the famous Bill Murray film 'Groundhog Day', introducing a time-loop scenario. As she embarks on her journey to convey these crucial photos, we see Lola's story unfold and rewind several times, almost like a sequence of alternative scenarios each time she encounters an obstacle.

The time-warp element not only adds drama but also provides a perfect backdrop for the exploration of Lola's character as well as her relationships. We get to see various versions of how events could turn out for Lola and how these alternate timelines impact her love life with Casey and the intertwined relationships they share with their ex-lovers.

Jill Bennett as Casey, Lola's girlfriend, is another pivotal character who adds depth to the narrative. Bennett’s portrayal of Casey as a dedicated professional and supportive girlfriend further boosts the complexity and charm of the story. Lola's ex-girlfriend Danielle, played by Cathy DeBuono, injects additional drama and romantic tension into the film, as her character not only instigates Lola's behavioral quirks but also complicates Casey's professional life.

For the portrayal of romantic relationships, the film does a wonderful job of exploring the dynamics of love in a bisexual context, maintaining a clear voice for LGBT representation. Directors Ellen Seidler and Megan Siler create a space where the characters’ sexuality doesn't clash with the narrative, but enhances it, thereby rewarding viewers with a rare authentic representation of LGBT love stories.

The San Francisco setting plays a key part in the movie’s narrative, resulting in stunning visuals of the city. From the hilly streets to the bustling crowd, the city feels very much alive and integral to the central drama.

The film’s soundtrack is also worthy of note, featuring an array of indie artists that perfectly encapsulate the mood and tempo of the unfolding events. Coupled with creative elements of slow motion, fast-forward, and rewind, as well as captivating animated sequences, the film offers a visual and audio treat that draws you into Lola's frantic quest.

In conclusion, ‘And Then Came Lola’ is a vibrant, fast-paced, and engaging movie that spins the typical romantic comedy into a unique and intriguing narrative. With its innovative use of time-loop mechanics, charming characters, engaging storyline, and an authentic setting, it provides an absorbing and unforgettable cinematic experience.