Not Since You

Not Since You is a dramatic romantic film released in 2009, directed by Jeff Stephenson and featuring a brilliant ensemble cast of Desmond Harrington, Kathleen Robertson, and Christian Kane. The film plumbs the depths of delicate emotions, complex relationship dynamics, and the sting of unresolved pasts. It explores the themes of second chances, love, regret, and the enduring friendships that outlast both time and distance, while painting a tender portrayal of what happens when life doesn't go as planned.

At the heart of the story is Sam Nelson (Desmond Harrington), a war photojournalist who's been living a restless and unpredictable life, riddled with missions to the most dangerous war zones around the world. Intriguingly enough, Harrington's character is not that of a hardened warrior, but instead a man who has seen far too much yet manages to maintain his tenderness, which he often hides behind a weary cynicism.

Kathleen Robertson's character, Amy Smith, is a successful New York businesswoman whose life seems to be in a perfect state of balance -- an evolving career, financial stability, and an upcoming marriage. Yet, when faced with uncertainties and unfulfilled dreams, she discovers the illusions of perfection. Robertson's portrayal of Amy is both delicate and intense, referencing the tumultuous emotions concealed beneath a calm exterior.

Christian Kane's character, Ryan Roberts, adds a spicy dose of charisma and humor to the otherwise dramatic tale. Ryan is the easygoing pal who organizes a reunion of old college friends. He's a bar owner with a carefree attitude that masks the disappointments he faces in life. Kane breathes life into Ryan, making him an appealing character who viewers will find relatable and affable.

The story begins to unfold when Sam returns from his overseas adventures to attend the reunion organized by Ryan. The reunion takes place in Athens, Georgia, the town the friends left behind to chase their dreams and make a life for themselves. The get-together brings forward long-forgotten feelings, secrets, and old romances, stirring up emotions that had lain dormant since their college days. Sam and Amy, once college sweethearts, now carry the weight of their unresolved past; a romance that ended in heartbreak just as life was taking off for them.

Once they meet, the unresolved tension between Sam and Amy is palpable and they try to dance around the subject, shielded behind their current life narratives. However, it's impossible to deny that the flame of first love never completely extinguishes, no matter how much water is thrown on it. The subtle choreography of the scenes that follow plays beautifully, allowing us to become a part of their struggle to reconcile past disappointments with present realities.

Intensifying the dynamic are the other college friends - Howard Stieglitz (Jon Abrahams), Billy Sweetzer (Will Estes), and Victoria Gary (Sunny Mabrey). Each carries their own share of unspoken regrets, half-built dreams, and things left unsaid. The characters are beautifully woven into the narrative, their contributions shaping the emotional landscape of this beautiful film.

While Not Since You revolves around romance, it is far from the typical romantic clichés. The film excels in creating authentic moments that shed light on the complexities of the human condition. The directing is subtle yet powerful and the performances by the lead actors breathe life into the characters, making them both believable and intriguing.

The screenwriting by Brent Boyd is emotionally nuanced and complex, carefully balancing a strong sense of nostalgia without giving in to overly sentimental clichés. The cinematography is artistic and evocatively captures the feel of a small southern town, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.

In essence, Not Since You is a beautifully portrayed ensemble drama that delves into the personalities, relationships, and life choices of a group of college friends. It explores love in its myriad forms, the passion of first love, the comfort of enduring friendships, and the regret of unresolved pasts. It is an engaging exploration of the human heart, making us wonder about the bonds that bring us together and the life situations that pull us apart. It's a film that certainly leaves a lingering impression, creating a shared experience with its viewers, resonating with anyone who's ever known the profound nuances of love and longing. With its engaging narrative and superb performances, this film is sure to draw you into its emotional orbit and keep you there long after the credits roll.