Honeyglue

Honeyglue is a bittersweet journey of two unconventional lovers that brings viewers on a rollercoaster of emotions, celebrations, and heartbreaks. Directed by James Bird and released in 2015, the movie revolves around the central characters Morgan and Jordan and their intense, short-lived romantic adventure. The film showcases brilliant performances by Adriana Mather, who plays the prudent, introverted Morgan, and Zach Villa, who marvelously portrays Jordan's reckless, hedonist characteristics.

Morgan, a seemingly ordinary young woman, leads a guarded, underwhelming life until she receives shocking news - she is diagnosed with cancer and has only three months to live. Confronted with this tragic reality and determined to live the remainder of her life outside her standard, monotonous routine, she dives into the world on her terms, to live life to the fullest. This resolve marks the beginning of a transformation that turns her life upside down and leads her into the intoxicating life of Jordan.

Jordan, on the other hand, is a rebellious young man - unafraid, daring, and brimming with life. His bohemian lifestyle, his love for art, and unconventional character come across impressively well due to Villa's convincing portrayal. He exemplifies the exact opposite of Morgan’s stereotypical life, making their unexpected meet at a nightclub a life-altering encounter for both.

Thrown into each other's lives, Morgan and Jordan find a unique connection, a spark that sets the premise for a love story that's anything but common. Following their encounter, Morgan, choosing to accept her fate, decides to spend her remaining days with Jordan, exploring the unknown. However, her journey isn't personal alone. It grows to be a transformative event for Jordan as well, as he experiences a reality different from his carefree existence.

Because of their polar opposite lifestyles, they embark on an adventure of self-discovery, love, acceptance, and profound emotions. Morgan's struggle with illness is heart-wrenching to watch, yet her determination to live her life unapologetically is inspiring, often adding a layer of strength and warm-heartedness to the plot. Similarly, Jordan's journey alongside Morgan has him face realities he's been running away from – life's solemness, commitment, and love's gravity.

Honeyglue is not just a movie; it's an experience bound to leave you introspective. Aspects of identity, gender, life, and acceptance are explored subtly yet impactfully throughout the 107-minute film. In this roller-coaster journey, some specific themes are embedded in the narrative. Despite the uncertainty and limited time, the zeal to embrace life at the present moment makes the core essence of the film, often making audiences question the very concept of conventional living.

Director James Bird masterfully brings meaningful dialogues, emotional depth, realistic characters, and a stunning screenplay to life. His story-telling prowess is equally matched by the profound performances of the cast. Adriana Mather delivers a touching performance bound to leave you emotional and eventually inspired. She brings out the layers of Morgan's transformation with delicate simplicity and an emotional depth that resonates on-screen.

On the other hand, Zach Villa as Jordan brings the necessary charm, liveliness, and complexity to his character. His relationship with Morgan, filled with love, care, and respect, is increasingly palpable due to his skillful expressions and delivery. Performances by other supporting actors, including Christopher Heyerdahl and Jessica Tuck playing Morgan's parents, further add a level of authenticity to the story.

Honeyglue is a reminder of seizing the present, exploring love's different facets, even amidst life's uncertainties, and most importantly, embracing others' uniqueness. The movie is rife with striking dialogues, moving scenes, mixed cinematography choices, setting up the somber yet hopeful tone of the movie. The narratives heavily emphasize love outside societal norms, taking the viewer beyond traditional gender norms and usual romance rules.

In summary, Honeyglue qualifies as a meaningful drama telling an intense love story of vastly different individuals who find common ground in unusual circumstances. The film offers a healthy balance of love, emotions, humor, and drama, making it an engaging watch. Notably, seamless storytelling and profound performances by the cast make Honeyglue a must-watch, a movie that explores life's complexities and beauty packed into a short but transformative journey.