Love Is Blind

Love is Blind, also known as Sweetness in the Belly by some sources, is a drama-comedy film directed by Monty Whitebloom and Andy Delaney that was released in 2019. Starring a talented ensemble cast of Shannon Tarbet, Aidan Turner, and Benjamin Walker, the movie presents a quirky and unusual narrative about love, self-discovery, and the inexplicable mysteries of the heart and mind.

The film centralizes on Bess Krafft, a charming and down-to-earth character played by the talented Shannon Tarbet. Bess does not have an average life due to her inexplicable medical condition: Selective Perception Disorder. It’s an unusual condition unique to her, where she physically cannot see her mother. This isn't due to any ocular defect but rather due to a peculiar psychological condition that makes her unaware of her mother's presence.

This unusual state of affairs gives rise to several comedic and confusing situations as Bess interacts with her seemingly 'invisible' parent. Yet, within this conundrum, Love Is Blind dramatizes the powerful message of mother-daughter relationships, familial bonds, and internal struggles in a light-hearted manner.

On the other side is another character pivotal to the storyline, psychiatrist Farmer Smithson (Benjamin Walker), who is fascinated by Bess's peculiar condition. This nurturing character is committed to helping Bess perceive her mother, and the relationship between the two is as heartwarming as it is intriguing. Throughout the movie, intricate therapist-patient dynamics is demonstrated affectionately and light-heartedly.

Love Is Blind also introduces Aidan Turner as Russell, a charismatic local carpenter who adds the romantic aspect to the plot. As the movie progresses, we find out more about him and his relationship with Bess. Unraveling this unusual love triangle becomes a crucial plot point, and subtle nuances in their interpersonal drama amuse the audience thoroughly.

Contrary to traditional romantic comedies that follow a common and predictable journey, Love Is Blind, undoubtedly, is an unusual story. The narrative experiments with unique concepts circling love and familial bonds, making it an engaging watch.

Adding to the interpersonal drama is the rich backdrop against which the story unfolds. The directors have taken no shortcuts when it comes to the visual aspect of the movie. The cinematography is gorgeous and complemented by the beautiful backdrop of rustic settings, helping to create an immersive experience. It adds to the depth of the narrative and creates the perfect ambiance for the plot to evolve.

A special mention must go to the soundtrack of Love Is Blind. The film features a variety of songs that perfectly capture the mood of each scene. The music complementing Bess’s daydreams or syncing rhythmically with tense moments adds a layer to the storytelling, making the movie richer in content and offers a refreshing and audibly pleasing cinematic experience.

The directors have done a commendable job in maintaining a coherent narration throughout, despite the intricate plot. The editing is crisp and build-up towards the climax is well-weaved. Furthermore, the acting performances are tremendous. Shannon Tarbet, Benjamin Walker, and Aidan Turner all give incredible performances, creating multi-dimensional characters that resonate with the audience.

What truly separates Love Is Blind, however, is its daring premise. The film’s charm lies in the uniting of its odd central premise with the themes of love, familial ties, and mental health. It challenges the audience to take a step back and consider the limits (or lack thereof) of human perception and how it shapes our relationships and our world.

In a nutshell, Love Is Blind is unconventional, endearing, and is bound to leave audiences pondering upon the peculiarities of love and the human mind. It’s a film that encourages us to go beyond our comfort zones and view the world from a new perspective. If you're a fan of unique, thought-provoking, and emotionally captivating stories, this film is well worth a watch.