How to Cheat

How to Cheat is a provocative and compelling independent drama-comedy film that was released in 2011. Directed by Amber Sealey, the film stars Kent Osborne, Amber Sealey, and Amanda Lovejoy Street. The film explores the complexities and vulnerabilities of relationships and the emotions involved in infidelity. The story is set in the intricate landscape of Los Angeles, following the compelling character journeys on the road to self-exploration and transformation.

At the heart of this movie, we meet Mark, played by Kent Osborne. He is an underachieving and ordinary Los Angeles comedian who is struggling with both his professional life and his personal relationships. He has lost the passion for making people laugh and feels stuck in a monotonous job where he is unable to fully utilize his talent. This forms a natural, relatable background for the protagonist's character, exposing dilemmas and conflicts that the everyday person often faces.

Simultaneously, we're introduced to Mark's marriage to Beth, portrayed by Amber Sealey, who also directed the film. Their relationship is strained, and they are working hard to maintain a semblance of harmony without much success. There is clearly a disconnect, and Beth’s yearning to have a baby coupled with Mark’s apparent infertility adds to the tension. This vulnerable couple's dynamic forms the main narrative arc of How to Cheat and scrutinizes the intricate, troubled, and simmering elements of a relationship's routines.

The film delves deep into the emotional struggle the couple faces as they decide to confront their failing marriage. The soundtrack perfectly complements the gritty realism of the scenes, adding another dimension to the narratives. The story also explores the agonizing paradox of wanting varied things – in their case, while Beth wants to become a mother, Mark finds escapism from his lacklustre life through his comedic art. Mark's frustration regarding his inability to impregnate Beth worsens when an amateur stand-up comedian named Kelsey, played by Amanda Lovejoy Street, enters their life.

There unfolds a sensitive and raw portrayal of marriage, examining the effects of escalating pressures on relationships. This film doesn't shy away from delving into areas of love and commitment that many might find difficult to address. The performances delivered by the lead cast are highly engaging and authentic, with Osborne, Sealey, and Street offering highly nuanced and multi-layered character portrayals.

How to Cheat stands out for its realism and for accurately capturing the metropolitan malaise that often influences relationships. It encapsulates the urban human condition and the various social realities people face. The simplicity and effectiveness of the film lie in its use of minimalism in its overall cinematic approach, focusing on the power of the script and the performances rather than flashy cinematography or intricate sets.

The film consequently offers a candid view of how people often find themselves attempting to escape reality, only to realize that they may end up hurting themselves and others around them in the process. It takes an unbiased and impartial look at the consequences that infidelity can have on a relationship, thereby giving the movie its apt title - How to Cheat.

The improvised dialogue further adds a unique layer of authenticity, making the narrative more relatable and engaging. It strips back the artifice often associated with films on adultery and presents a raw and completely naturalistic story about how relationships can falter under external pressures.

Thematically, the viewers are compelled to explore questions of fidelity, trust, and the lengths they would go to preserve a relationship teetering on the brink of collapse. The film stays clear of traditional moral coding and judgment, offering a space for the audience to engage and reflect on the characters' decisions and actions. In essence, How to Cheat is a powerful and introspective narrative that moves beyond surface-level tropes and cliches to examine the real-life complexities of maintaining relationships and upholding values in today's world.