Never Ever

Never Ever is a French cinematic masterpiece from 2016 that explores the worlds of art, love, and existentialism with a modern and nuanced lens. Directed by the award-winning filmmaker Benoît Jacquot, the film stars Mathieu Amalric, Julia Roy, and Jeanne Balibar in stellar performances that explore the depths of human emotion and creativity.

Never Ever tells the tale of Rey, played flawlessly by Mathieu Amalric, a renowned Parisian visual artist who is known for his minimalistic but evocative works. Rey is portrayed as an emotionally complex and somewhat reclusive figure who finds it challenging to connect with the world outside his atelier. His life changes forever when he attends a prestigious art auction and meets Laura (Julia Roy), a charming and enigmatic journalist.

Laura, a mysterious woman of charm and allure, is as elusive as she is attractive. As a young journalist interested in art and literature, she is drawn to Rey and his works, which triggers an intense romantic spark between the two. Their artistic minds conjoin into a relationship that's as passionate and turbulent as their individual souls.

Rey and Laura's whirlwind romance takes them through the world's greatest art cities, from Paris's chic galleries to New York's bustling art street, showcasing a global art scene's vibrancy and dynamism. Simultaneously, the audience watches the unraveling of the couple's complicated love story. They are allowed to peek at their growing affection, combined with bits of despair and natural human flaws that make their relationship all the more real and relatable.

Never Ever explores concepts of art, love, and identity through a rich and intricate narrative. Their artistic journey is interwoven with their love story, contrasting the beauty and intensity of their romance with the raw, brutal world of contemporary art. Director Benoît Jacquot masterfully crafts a gripping narrative by making use of innovative cinematography and a non-linear story-tell approach. The narrative moves back and forth between past, present, and possible futures, creating suspense and anticipation while maintaining the general story arc.

Mathieu Amalric and Julia Roy's performances are nothing short of outstanding. Amalric brings a multi-dimensional complexity to Rey's character that is both engaging and thought-provoking. He manages to balance Rey's melancholia, ambition, and often wavering sense of self with such subtlety that the viewer becomes deeply invested in his journey. Julia Roy as Laura gives a powerful performance, bringing an effervescence and maturity to her character, making her not just Rey's love interest but a strong individual.

Jeanne Balibar, who plays Rey's domineering art dealer, provides an essential foil to the lead characters. Her character brings a hardness to the film, underlining the fact that the world of art is not all about freedom of expression but also a ruthless place where success can be as fleeting as a critic's praise.

The soundtrack is another splendid feature of Never Ever. The carefully curated variety of melodies works perfectly in tandem with the movie's mood and theme. Each piece escalates the emotions portrayed on screen, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the protagonist's journey further.

The film's visual aesthetics further enhance the narrative. The cinematographer captures effortlessly the captivating landscapes of Paris, the grandeur of the art world, and the intimate moments shared between Rey and Laura. The beauty of each portrayed location elicits an array of emotions that make the storyline more captivating.

In conclusion, Never Ever is a captivating exploration of art, love, and existentialism. The movie decentralizes the conventional narrative of an artist's journey, opting instead to critically examine the impacts of art, romance, and identity on an individual's life in a post-modern world. Its compelling narrative, dynamic characters, and aesthetic appeal make it a must-watch for art and cinema enthusiasts alike. Never Ever is a cinematic journey that delves deep into the human psyche and explores the complex web of relationships within the art world, guaranteed to leave viewers riveted and contemplating long after the closing credits.