No Stranger Than Love

No Stranger Than Love is a quirky and unique 2015 romantic comedy with a touch of surrealism, directed by Nick Wernham. The film captivates its audience with a riveting storyline and magnetic performances by Alison Brie, Justin Chatwin, and Colin Hanks. The film toys with the traditional romantic comedy expectations, making it a perfect pick for audiences seeking something out of the ordinary.

The story unfolds in a quaint little town, where everyone seems to know everyone else's business, as is usual for small towns. In this setting, we meet Lucy Sherrington, played by Brie, a charismatic young art teacher with an unparalleled reputation for her kindness and endearing personality. Lucy's charm does not go unnoticed by the men in her town, including her smitten colleague, Clint Coburn, portrayed by Hanks.

Lucy's life takes a bizarre turn on the eve of her breaking off an illicit affair with this married coworker, when abruptly a mysterious hole, as deep as it is wide, appears in her living room floor. Into this hole tumbles the dismayed Clint, leaving Lucy with a complex dilemma and the challenge of hiding this inexplicable development from prying eyes.

Charming yet perplexing, the story twists further when a stranger comes to town – Rydell Whyte, artfully played by Chatwin. Rydell is a quirky, charismatic individual with a mysterious past of his own, who quickly becomes embroiled in this perplexing scenario. The interaction between Lucy and Rydell is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, where secrets are shared, bonds are made, and affairs of the heart are probed.

No Stranger Than Love uses this quirky concept to explore deeper ideas on love, regret, and truth. The hole serves as a metaphoric representation of the depths and pits one may tumble into their relationships. This strange phenomenon helps Lucy reassess her infatuation, secrets, and her life's choices, leading to moments of self-revelation and inflection.

Alison Brie delivers an enduring performance as the bewildering yet sincere Lucy, bringing forward her dexterity in acting skills in portraying complex emotions of love, fear, and confusion. Her onscreen charm is only complemented by Justin Chatwin, who adds depth and amiability to his character Rydell. Colin Hanks, known for his performance in popular television series like Fargo and Mad Men, is equally impressive, giving an intriguing twist to the character of Clint.

The film benefits from the light-hearted approach that Director Nick Wernham and writer Steve Adams take in presenting such an unusual plot. Rather than over-embellishing the strange circumstance at the core of the movie, they use it as a jumping-off point for the characters to navigate their tangled emotions and complex relationships. Wernham does a commendable job in syncing the movie's peculiar plot with the portrayal of everyday life in a small town, making it* No Stranger Than Love equally delightful and relatable.

Visually, No Stranger Than Love is appealing. The old-world charm of the small town combined with carefully chosen set designs presents an aesthetically pleasing canvas. Cinematographer Robert Scarborough amplifies the impact of the eccentric plot with brightly lit scenes and clever camera angles. The music, composed by Igor Vrabac and Ken Worth, goes hand in hand with the film's overall theme, enhancing the whimsical and dreamlike elements.

In summary, No Stranger Than Love is a captivating film that offers an innovative twist on the usual romantic comedy formula. While the plot may seem unusual, the surreal elements are artfully interlaced into the storyline, resulting in a film that is humorous, engaging, and thought-provoking. The performances from Alison Brie, Justin Chatwin, and Colin Hanks, along with the film's stylized direction, make for an entertaining and unexpected journey. For those who enjoy films that challenge traditional storytelling while maintaining a heartwarming element of romance, No Stranger Than Love is a must-watch.