Love, Once and Always

In Love, Once and Always, the director Allan Harmon, gives us a delightful romantic drama that seamlessly combines elements of classic love stories with contemporary sociological themes. Released in 2018, this film stars Amanda Schull, Peter Porte, and Anna Van Hooft. The narrative is built around the shared past, rekindled love, and the dilemmas of the present faced by the protagonists.

The story begins with the successful businesswoman Lucy (Amanda Schull), whose structured, well-planned life in Chicago undergoes a significant change when she learns about the death of her beloved Aunt Grace. This event prompts her to return to her childhood home in Newport, Rhode Island, where she spent many happy summers at her aunt's grand, old mansion. Once a vibrant and lively place, the mansion has grown old and requires significant renovations.

Upon her arrival, Lucy learns that she has been bequeathed only half of this property, much to her surprise. The other half has been handed to a co-beneficiary, Duncan (Peter Porte), her childhood friend and former sweetheart. Duncan, unlike Lucy, is a free-spirited scholar turned local nature conservationist who has his own unique ideas for the future of the property, which starkly conflict with Lucy's.

Duncan wants to capitalize on the mansion’s estate to build a conservation center, aiming to preserve the nature around them and impart knowledge through this center. On the other hand, Lucy wants to restore it to its former glory as a pristine and elegant inn for tourists to enjoy, given historic buildings' potential tourism appeal. The underlying tension between privatization and public use of land adds depth to the movie's plot, sparking debates and challenging the characters' perspectives.

Having to share inheritance left behind by Aunt Grace, Lucy and Duncan come across as polar opposites, yet the forced proximity to work out their differences makes them acknowledge their past. As recreated through fleeting memories and nostalgic set designs, viewers come to learn about their shared past of friendship and love.

What makes Love, Once and Always particularly compelling is its investment in the strength of character development. Amanda Schull's portrayal of Lucy renders a strong independent woman who is not afraid to challenge societal expectations. She brings a certain degree of realism to her character that resonates with many women who seek a successful career path and also value interpersonal relationships.

Peter Porte, on the other hand, embodies the character of Duncan with a certain rugged charm. His dedication towards nature conservation and the love for his town are admirable, making him a beloved figure in the community.

When Lucy's boyfriend, Adam (played by Brent Bailey), visits Newport from Chicago with a marriage proposal and the promise of a structured future, Lucy finds herself in a dilemma—further intensifying the narrative's emotional stakes.

Simultaneously, the chemistry between Amanda Schull and Peter Porte is palpable. The nuance in their performances brings sincerity to their complex relationship—highlighting the push-and-pull between the past and the present.

Notably, Anna Van Hooft, playing Wendy and Lucy's childhood friend, brings in her nuanced performance and contributes significantly to the dynamics of the story. Wendy's role as an active supporter of the mansion's preservation also reflects societal concerns about conversation and the importance of cultural heritage.

Love, Once and Always is not just a love story. It deals with themes like honor, duty, conservation, and heritage, ensuring broader appeal. Its idyllic setting, scenic locales, the old charm of the mansion, coupled with a warm-natured storyline, make the movie a delightful watch. However, most importantly, it leaves viewers with a crucial message— sometimes, deep-rooted love, understanding, and compromise bring about the best solutions to even the most complex of dilemmas.

This film, with its unique blend of romantic and social themes, ensures an engaging viewing experience. If you are a fan of Hallmark movie style, or you love romantic stories with a touch of drama and a sprinkle of nostalgia, then Love, Once and Always should be on your must-watch list.