Lust for Love

Lust for Love, an independent romantic comedy produced in 2014, is an allegory for contemporary love in the millennial era. It tells a love-ridden story within an interconnected group of friends in the urban landscape of Los Angeles, kidnapped by the unforgiving rules of love and relationships. The film is centered around the characters played by Fran Kranz, Dichen Lachman, and Beau Garrett, where each represents different iterations of love-struck souls.

The film opens up with the lead character, Astor, played by Fran Kranz. Astor, the perennial nice guy, is in a long-term relationship with Mila, portrayed by Beau Garrett. Astor is hopelessly in love with Mila, with his world revolving around his emotions for her. However, a sudden turn of events finds him heartbroken and shattered when Mila unceremoniously ends their relationship. Astor is seen wrestling with his loss and wading through the murky waters of unrequited love.

Enters Cali, a free spirit dipped in a streak of realism, played by Dichen Lachman. She is the childhood friend of both Astor and Mila and has an unconventional outlook towards love. Her characteristics and trademark nuances are the complete opposite of Mila, and the broken-hearted Astor turns to her to seek a recipe for winning Mila back.

The wit and humor of the film take off with the unusual pact entered into by Astor and Cali. Cali agrees to turn Astor into an irresistible human specimen that any woman would fall for, while in return, Astor promises to set her up with his successful architect friend Liam. Here we delve into a journey of self-discovery and emotional growth as Astor's pursuit of Mila leads him to a transformational understanding of love, life, and himself.

Lust for Love is an exploration of modern dating, the foibles of relationship dynamics, arena of human desires, and the complexities of young love. Each woman Astor attempts to charm based on Cali's teachings represents different facets of female desires and also reflects Astor's own transition. Throughout, the movie portrays the evolution of Astor from a hopeless and love sick puppy into a man of understanding and self-composure.

On the other hand, Cali's character provides the film with both its rooting realism and comedic relief. Sensibly played by Lachman, Cali is the epitome of millennial female strength. She is independent, smart, emotionally rich and carries herself with an admirable determination. She also emerges as the backbone of the narrative, aiding Astor’s transformation while also discovering aspects of her own self.

Lust for Love showcases the irony of romance as the would-be lovers find themselves amidst chaos of emotions, conflicts, and conundrums. It offers a fresh take on the age-old trope of ‘the one that got away’. Yet, it astutely manages to weave a narrative that is relatable and reflective of the reality in which we live.

Mingling well-known tropes of the genre with an authentic introspection, Lust for Love resurrects the romantic comedy genre for the millennial audience. It doesn't shy away from showcasing the flawed, inconsistent, and sometimes outright tumultuous nature of romantic relationships, making it more realistic and relatable compared to flashy rom-com films. The movie also attempts to delve into a deeper assessment of human interactions, exploring how certain personality traits and life choices impact our relationships.

Underneath its playful and comedic exterior, Lust for Love offers a rich exploration of romantic disillusion, dating etiquette, break-ups, make-ups, and the transformative power of friendship. It is a movie about the price of possessing love, losing love, and the journey towards understanding love in its purest form. It speaks to young adults navigating love in the millennial era and delivers a wise, sincere, and entertaining narrative that resonates with viewers.

Directed by Anton King, Lust for Love begins as a light-hearted comedy but soon morphs into a journey of self-discovery and realization. It captures the essence of young love and the desperate, sometimes naive, attempts to understand and win it. The charm of Lust for Love resides in its ability to find humor amidst heartbreak while never losing sight of the brutal realities that comprise young, urban relationships.