Andover

Andover is a captivating 2017 film that delves into the realm of science, love, obsession, ethics, and human mortality. It stars veteran actors such as Jonathan Silverman, Jennifer Finnigan, Richard Kind, Angela Kinsey, and Beth Grant. The film is a unique blend of drama, comedy, and romance, and though rooted in science-fiction, it gives audiences an opportunity to ponder over real-life dilemmas and questions about life, love, and human resilience.

Jonathan Silverman shines in his role as Adam Slope, a highly intelligent and innovative, yet eccentrically obsessed genetics professor at the fictional United University. After suffering a personal loss, his profound love for his wife Dawn, played by the talented Jennifer Finnigan, drives him to embark on a daring and ethically questionable endeavor. Using his scientific acumen, he begins a wildly complicated and morally ambiguous project of cloning his wife.

Jennifer Finnigan’s portrayal of the intelligent, loving, and strong-willed Dawn beautifully complements Silverman’s character. With their performances, the movie explores the depth and strength of their relationship, their shared dreams, laughter, heartaches, and subtly highlights Dawn’s pivotal role in Adam’s obsessive mission.

The film also stars Richard Kind in the role of Harold, a supportive and well-meaning friend to Adam, who is torn between his friendship and the moral implications of Adam's project. His character adds a much-needed moral compass to the narrative and plays a crucial role in how the story unfolds.

While the film broaches the complex themes of love, loss, and science, it is carefully laced with humor and wit, largely fueled by Silverman’s and Kind’s brilliant performances. However, the film doesn't stray away from bringing the harsh realities and dilemmas that come with these experiments to the surface, creating a narrative filled with raw emotion, ethical questions, and compelling drama.

What sets Andover apart is how it manages to weave many genres, concepts, and emotions into a seamless narrative. From one angle, the film is a romance, capturing the immense love between Adam and Dawn, and how far one is willing to go to keep their loved one by their side. It peeks into the hardships and joy of their marriage, making the audience wish for their love to stand the test of time.

From another angle, Andover is a haunting science fiction narrative that examines the moral, ethical, and emotional implications of cloning someone you love. It explores how the desire to battle grief can potentially cloud one’s judgment and lead to unforeseen outcomes, transforming the film into a narrative of hubris, consequence, but also redemption.

The film also serves as a psychological exploration of grief, trauma, and obsession. Adam's consistent attempts to replicate Dawn expose his struggle to accept her absence and his refusal to let go, painting a heartbreaking image of his despair and denial.

Visually, Andover is beautifully shot with its sophisticated and crisp cinematography. It employs sharp visuals and minute attention to detail to ensure the scientific narrative is believably conveyed, making the seemingly impossible, plausible.

The film's score complements its narrative arc brilliantly, subtly enhancing the suspense in the more intense scenes, and softly underlining the tender moments. The humorous scenes are perfectly timed and provide balance to the serious and emotionally freighted moments in the film, sustaining the audience’s engagement.

In conclusion, Andover is a gem of a film that successfully combines a myriad of themes in an engaging narrative. It takes you on an emotional rollercoaster that oscillates between laughter, tears, shock, and deep contemplation. The powerful performances by the lead actors and their strong chemistry make the film even more gripping and memorable. Whether you're a fan of science fiction, romance, or psychological dramas, Andover is a must-see.