Permission

Permission is a 2017 romantic comedy-drama film focused on themes of love and monogamy, notably challenging the mainstream norms and conventions surrounding relationships and marital life. The central point of the storyline is designed to make audiences question their own beliefs about long-term relationships, commitment, exploration of sexuality, and life choices. Unlike traditional romantic movies, this movie explores the less romanticized aspects of relationships and love.

The leading roles are played by Rebecca Hall (Anna) and Dan Stevens (Will) who harbor an understated chemistry, transitioning between humor and heartbreak with finesse. This on-screen New York couple, who are close to celebrating their tenth anniversary, have been together since they were adolescents, and they are partners not only in love but also share the same living space and profession. They are believed to have had only each other as sexual partners throughout their relationship. Will is planning to propose marriage; thus, both are expected to make long-term commitments with the understanding that their relationship has been nurtured to perfection due to their history and time spent together.

However, everything gets a twist when, in a casual conversation, their mutual friend suggests that they both should sleep around before they tie the knot. This presents the couple with a surprise chance to reevaluate their relationship. The idea, initially delivered as a joke, worms its way into their lives, pushing them to explore their relationship from an entirely different perspective. The movie follows their journey as they navigate through the labyrinth of emotions and situations.

Hall delivers an emotionally raw performance as Anna, who first brushes off the idea of sleeping with other men, then becomes intrigued and finally jumps into the experiment. Her character's journey of navigating her new freedoms, while trying to balance her love for Will, makes for intriguing watch. Stevens, on the other hand, portrays Will, who struggles with the idea but eventually succumbs to the situation. His character's simultaneous anxiety and curiosity reveal a rich layer of vulnerability and insecurity.

Gina Gershon, on the other hand, offers a striking performance as Reece, a supporting character who adds a distinct narrative dimension to the story. She plays a non-traditional role that contributes to the overarching themes of unconventional romantic relationships in a compelling manner.

The director, Brian Crano, does a commendable job of presenting a complex subject with sensitivity and humor. His direction is particularly laudable in some intimate and emotional scenes, presenting them with a raw and honest flavor that strikes a cord with the audience. Furthermore, Crano's script – co-written with Permission's co-star, the talented David Joseph Craig—is sharp, funny, and occasionally poignant, providing ample room for the characters to explore their flaws, quirks, and complexities.

Permission does not simply offer the cliche romantic complications, nor does it blindly advocate for open relationships. Instead, it addresses a profound point about love, monogamy, and personal evolution in relationships. It provides different perspectives on the practices and behavior we typically take for granted in committed relationships, thereby raising crucial questions about the notion of monogamy in a fresh, engaging narrative.

On the technical front, the movie prominently captures the hip and contemporary vibe of New York, with its picture-perfect apartments, the cool and casual way of life, and the beautiful street views. The cinematography complements the urban storytelling, portraying the city as both, a romantic backdrop and a modern metropolis with its unique challenges for love and relationships.

To conclude, Permission is an intricate, engaging, and thought-provoking romantic drama that goes beyond the usual cliches of its genre. Despite the humor, it encourages viewers to delve deep into their introspection about love and ask themselves tough questions, pushing the boundaries of conventional philosophies about relationships.