Cavemen

Cavemen from 2013 is a romantic comedy movie that revolves around LA-based twentysomethings grappling with the promises and pitfalls of love in the city of dreams. Directed by Herschel Faber, the film features Skylar Astin, Camilla Belle, Chad Michael Murray among others, dealing with relationships, friendships, and the fine line in between. The movie explores the complexities of modern dating and romantic relationships against the bohemian backdrop of LA's artistic and creative scene.

The leading character in the movie is Dean, a struggling yet charismatic screenwriter played by Skylar Astin, who is trying to find his niche in the grand scheme of life. Dean's primary ambition is to pen the next great American screenplay, and he spends many nocturnal hours holed up in his apartment conjuring up a narrative that'll put his name amongst Hollywood's legendary writers. Despite his high aspirations, Dean's romantic life is somewhat less ambitious, often involving encounters with women that lack depth and emotional connection.

Surrounding Dean is a colorful ensemble of characters who help bring the lively LA scene to life. His best friend Jay, played by Chad Michael Murray, embodies the quintessential LA ladies-man archetype, hopping from one fling to the next with an almost enviable ease. Jay's bachelor lifestyle, while appealing to some, is starkly juxtaposed against Dean's own emotional journey, forcing Dean to question his own romantic direction.

Amidst the whirlwind of late-night parties, casual hookups, and friend-zone frustrations, Dean meets the ethereal Tess, portrayed by Camilla Belle. Tess is not like the other girls Dean or Jay has encountered before. She is independent, confident, and full of zest for life. The attraction between them is lightning-swift, but Dean also gets the sense that Tess could mean something more significant to him than just another conquest.

As Dean navigates this burgeoning relationship, Cavemen delves into the intricacies of romantic entanglement. The movie doesn’t shy away from portraying the confusion, excitement, and complications that come with love and dating, creating an authentic portrayal that rings true for many viewers. The characters' exploration of their romantic lives often prompts them to question their own identities, their dreams, and their fears, culminating in a queasy tension between their romantic ideals and the often harsh realities of love.

As the storyline weaves together the interconnected lives and loves of these friends, Cavemen paints a vivid portrayal of the 21st-century dating scene. The movie uses comedy and drama in equal parts, brilliantly capturing the messy, funny, and unpredictable realities of young love, while showcasing the pulling power of profound connection and the transformative mystery of love.

In Cavemen, Los Angeles serves as more than just a backdrop to the story – it is a vibrant, integral part of the narrative and the value system the characters live in. From the eclectic underground bars where the friends hang out to the romantic city lights that set the scene for many of their rendezvous, the city becomes a vibrant character in itself.

Despite the many comedic moments, the film also touches on some grave themes such as disappointment, heartbreak, and self-discovery. The movie continuously debates the notions of settling down versus playing the field and grapples with complicated issues such as the fear of commitment, vulnerability, and the meaning of true love.

Director Herschel Faber takes a keen, perceptive look at the intricacies of modern relationships through Cavemen. He captures the highs, lows, and everything in between in the journey towards finding the balance between love and friendship.

On the whole, Cavemen is a delightful ride full of charm, humor, romance, and reflection that cleverly dissects the trials and triumphs of modern love and friendship. It's a film about personal growth and self-realization, the values of companionship, and the roller-coaster ride that is love – offering viewers a light-hearted yet poignant exploration of the human heart.