I Love You Both

I Love You Both is a light-hearted, often poignant, and refreshingly honest tale about the complexities of modern relationships, melded with the intricacies of sibling bonds. First released in 2016, this film boasts a wonderful ensemble cast, headlined by Lucas Neff, Artemis Pebdani, and Angela Trimbur.

The indie drama revolves around the challenge of duality in interpersonal relationships – not just between romantic partners, but also between siblings. At the heart of the film are fraternal twins Krystal and Donny, portrayed masterfully by real-life siblings Doug and Kristin Archibald. Living together in their late thirties, they share more than just DNA and living space. Being incredibly codependent, they share similar interests, hobbies, and even dating woes - put in perspective by the much-needed intervention of their no-nonsense therapist, portrayed effectively by Artemis Pebdani. Their strong bond is heartwarming, and the level of understanding they share is not only a testament to their sibling relationship but also to the human need for companionship.

Enter into this equation a charismatic and enigmatic artist named Andy, brought to life by Lucas Neff. Both Krystal and Donny find themselves irresistibly drawn to him, despite their different sexual orientations. In Andy, Krystal finds a compassionate listener whose sensitivity intrigues her, while Donny sees in him a combination of charm and subtly masked vulnerability that he finds appealing.

As the twins each navigate their budding relationships with Andy, tensions escalate, their insecurities surface, and their usually unshakeable bond is tested. Their confusion is heightened by the fact that Andy is bisexual, a subject that the film tries to handle with sensitivity and empathy.

Elevating the story further are the supporting characters each with their own quirks and personalities. There's Angela Trimbur's character, the ex-girlfriend who offers a grounded perspective on the twins' lives, and the mother who, despite grappling with her own ignorance and prejudices, delivers hilarious yet heartfelt moments.

A signature feature of I Love You Both is the intelligent screenwriting that effectively balances humor with raw emotional exploration. The Archibald siblings, as writers, make sure to imbed their dialogues with a unique blend of humor and poignancy, highlighting the universal complexities of love, identity, and familial bonds. This confluence of clever writing and honest performances creates characters that are flawed and relatable, each adding to the texture of the narrative.

Despite being a comedy, I Love You Both introduces a novel approach to traversing traditionally dramatic themes, all the while maintaining a lighthearted tone. This is a testament to the directorial abilities of Doug Archibald, who, in his first full-length feature film, ably crafts a unique narrative tone and a subtle sensitivity towards his characters. The clean cinematography and the muted color palette set the backdrop against which the characters explore their emotional landscapes.

The exploration of bisexuality in this film also deserves mention. Bisexuality, as a theme, is often overlooked or misunderstood in mainstream media. Though the characters initially grapple with understanding and accepting Andy's bisexuality, the film takes a non-judgmental stance, refreshing in its sincerity and lightheartedness.

In short, I Love You Both is a remarkably self-aware film, blending playful humor and emotional authenticity to highlight the struggles of self-acceptance and love. The film's unique premise, effective performances, and sensitive portrayal of bisexuality set it apart. It is an exploration of relationships - not only those we share with others but also the relationship we share with ourselves, our insecurities, and our identities.

I Love You Both is an ode to the highs and lows of love in all its forms, delivered with a touch of humor and a whole lot of heart. Truly, I Love You Both is an indie gem that deserves your attention if you enjoy thought-provoking cinema with a dose of laughter.