Lazy Eye

Lazy Eye, a movie from the year 2016, is a beautiful blend of romance and drama, featuring a talented cast that includes Drew Barr, Lucas Near-Verbrugghe, and Michaela Watkins. This film, directed by Tim Kirkman, captures the complexities of love and human relationships by displaying the unique dynamics of a past love-rekindled with all its associated emotions.

Drew Barr plays the role of Dean, a Los Angeles-based graphic designer who, like many people living a fast-paced life, seems to have everything under control from afar. However, taking a closer look, one will find that he has been living a life of suspended animation for about 15 years, mainly due to his declining eyesight condition commonly known as 'Lazy Eye' – a lingering metaphor for his murky past and uncertain future.

Dean's life takes a mind-boggling turn when he receives a sudden email from Alex, his long-lost lover, played by Lucas Near-Verbrugghe. Like the scorching shimmer mirroring in a desert, the email revives buried memories, resurrecting a whirlpool of mixed emotions within Dean. The memories are of a past love so intense and so extreme that it evaporated as swiftly as gasoline fumes in the wind.

Unable to reconcile with the past or to pay heed to the future, Dean follows his heart and decides to meet Alex at his isolated house in Joshua Tree – a desert retreat located in California. The location is a brilliant choice for this meet-up as it bolsters the story's metaphorical nuances: the barren desert with its twisted trees reflects the voids and confusions in their lives, while its astonishing beauty echoes their love that still lingers on.

As the narrative unravels, the tension teeters on the edge of Dean's glasses, as he faces his past, his insecurities, including his fizzling eyesight – a tangible monument of his vulnerability, and his undying feelings for Alex. The plot beautifully captures the nature of human relationships where the past, present and future often blur, colliding and coalescing in ways we are not prepared for.

The element of their past love affair getting a second chance, rekindled after a long period of separation, brings immense curiosity and feeling to the story. This reunion takes them on an insightful journey, navigating through the layers of their relationship that encompass old wounds, passion, disappointments, and the deep-seated love that still breathes within them.

Lucas Near-Verbrugghe, in the role of Alex, gives an impactful performance, enriching the movie's plot with his bright aura embodying a light, contrasting Dean's darkness wonderfully. He portrays Alex's inner conflict brilliantly while showcasing his struggle between his past and the present. His emotional alignment with the role adds depth to the movie, enriching the multilayered narrative.

Michaela Watkins brilliantly lightens up the screen with her warmth and grace. She plays Dean's assistant with such sincerity that it amplifies the drama’s emotional core. Her performance breathes life into the film and her character gives various dimensions to the narrative.

Beautifully cinematographed, the isolated setting of Lazy Eye, aside from providing gorgeous backdrops, amplifies the characters' emotive depth and existential dilemma. The story's non-linear narration complements the director's vision, making the viewers move in tandem with the characters' emotional journey.

One of the unique features of Lazy Eye is how effortlessly it scales various themes: past relations, middle-age crisis, vulnerabilities, and fears. It resonates emotionally with the audience, reminding us of our own apprehensions, secret desires, and unfulfilled wishes. The storytelling will leave you pondering over your past, contemplating the present, and apprehensive about the future, catapulting you into a state of existential qualms.

Lazy Eye, with its vigorous display of human emotions, requests an introspective experience from the audience. This thoughtful depiction of a past love resurfacing in two middle-aged persons' lives is far from a cliché Hollywood drama. It presents a mature, emotional, and heartfelt look into the realities of reincarnated love with all its associated complexities.

In conclusion, Lazy Eye is an intensely stirring tale with exceptional acting, intimate and thought-provoking themes. With layered narratives and memorable performances, it is a must-watch film for those interested in exploring human emotions, challenging societal conventions, and portraying love beyond its stereotyped depictions.