The Pretty One

The Pretty One is a thought-provoking and emotional film from 2013, revolving around identity, love, and self-discovery. Zoe Kazan plays dual protagonists, Laurel and Audrey, in this beautifully crafted drama-comedy directed by Jenee LaMarque. Along with an impressive cast that includes Jake Johnson and Ron Livingston, The Pretty One creates an inviting world that is whimsical, dramatic, and engagingly real.

The story follows identical twin sisters – Laurel, the shy and reserved one, and Audrey, the confident and outgoing one. Laurel, ever living in Audrey's successful shadow, begins to wear her sister's clothes to feel closer to her, an act of heartbreaking poignancy. Kazan portrays both characters with an uncanny ability, fleshing out their strikingly different personalities and emotional complexities in a deftly sympathetic manner.

Audrey's life is seen as perfect from Laurel's perspective, someone who leads a vibrant, easy-going life. Audrey holds a real estate license, sports tastefully tousled hair, and even has an attractive neighbor, Basel, played by Jake Johnson, who harbors a crush on her. When tragedy strikes, it leaves Laurel with an opportunity to slip into her sister’s shoes. In an unexpected turn of events, Laurel gets mistaken as Audrey, and she decides to embrace this new identity, believing it to be her chance to live a fulfilling life.

Allowing the viewers to travel through the storyline with an alternating wave of emotions, the film presents a thematic exploration of identity and the flexibility of self-perception. Laurel, passing as Audrey, begins to taste the life she has always dreamed of, discovering new sides to her personality. However, she also starts to understand that her idealized version of Audrey's life wasn't quite the reality.

Jake Johnson plays his character, Basel, as an emotionally complex yet likable and down-to-earth individual. The film delves into his growing bond with Laurel (posing as Audrey), adding a unique spin on romantic chemistry, layered with mistaken identities and unspoken feelings. Johnson’s performance adds depth and heart to the narrative as he navigates his confusing feelings for the woman he believes to be Audrey but is inexplicably different.

On the other side, Ron Livingston's character further complicates the narrative, adding a dynamic extra layer of intrigue. His character’s interactions with Laurel deepen the plotline, allowing the viewers to see the elaborate charades and unexpected truths through a third vantage point.

The Pretty One offers a heartfelt exploration of self-identity, delving into the concept of 'the grass is always greener on the other side.' It shows how one often longs for a life different from their own, sometimes idealizing it, without understanding the complexities and trials that come with it.

Laurel's journey is not just about living as Audrey but also about discovering who she truly is. Simplistic, rustic scenes effortlessly capture her internal journey mirrored in the increasingly complex world around her. Her life quickly moves from simple to eventful without ever losing its charm. The movie prompts the viewers to ponder questions of self-worth, authentic living, and the concept of identity within the complications of modern life.

In addition to Zoe Kazan's incredible performance, The Pretty One is complemented by a skilled supporting cast, exquisite dialogue, and a nuanced emotional context. The film's lush cinematography with beautiful lighting and pastel color palette resonates well with the melodramatic theme of the movie, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Incredibly layered and emotionally resonant, The Pretty One delves deep into examining what it means to be oneself. The movie remains consistently engaging, enticing the viewers to stay hooked until the end, constantly guessing what happens next.

With its clever and intricately designed script, The Pretty One is a film that seamlessly blends comedy, tragedy, and romance, making it a must-watch cinematic experience. It's an earnest exploration of one's journey to self-discovery, impelled by a mistaken identity, shining an authentic light on our perceptions of ourselves and our lives. It’s a beautifully crafted film that uses separate storylines to blend into one beautifully intertwined narrative, projecting a memorable cinematic experience.