What If It Works?

What If It Works? is a quirky and delightful romantic comedy from the year 2017. Directed by Romi Trower, the film stars Luke Ford, Anna Samson, and Brooke Satchwell, bestowing it with a leverage of unforgettable performances that hardly leave the audience indifferent. This colourful yet sincerely relatable character-driven narrative provides an endearing exploration of personal limitations, friendships, and unconventional relationships.

The protagonist, Adrian, portrayed by a deeply empathetic Luke Ford, exceptional in his everyday struggle with his own personality. A tech nerd in his 30s, Adrian is not your average Joe from the block as he grapples with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The intricacies of this condition make his life patterned and monotonous, strictly adhering to repetitive cleaning, counting, and organizing. Adrian's static and predictable world gets shaken up when he gets an unexpected new roommate, Grace, played with great authenticity by Anna Samson.

Grace is an artist having an unusual condition known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). This condition is manifested through her multiple personalities, each one owning a unique characteristic varying as much as chalk and cheese. These alter-egos unpredictably appear adding up to the unorthodox flavour of the film, yet simultaneously amplifying the challenging situations likewise. Their shared lives create the roller-coaster-paced excitement around which the film's plot is predominantly hinged.

Their individual circumstances lead them to cross paths under one shared roof. This unexpected change leads us to a journey beautifully intertwined with humour, heartbreak, and the evolving dynamics of their relationship. As Adrian and Grace navigate life together, they start to see beyond their disorders, finding each other's quirks surprisingly endearing. Their relationship becomes an intricate dance, fueled by a shared understanding of their unique ways of processing the world around them while dealing with their ensuing personal complexities.

In the periphery, acting as a supportive fulcrum is Sia, vividly played by Brooke Satchwell. Her portrayal of Grace's fearless keeper, exudes an abounding warmth and shrouded mystery that complements and counterbalances the raw nuances of Adrian and Grace's evolving relationship, blossoming towards something bigger. Sia plays a critical role in maintaining the film's equilibrium and carries an essential part of the storyline.

Set in the vibrant cityscape of Melbourne, Australia, the film is brought to life through its spellbinding cinematography. It narrates its tale through the eccentric alleyways, soulful art spaces, and the illuminating skyline of the city, engrossing viewers in its raw, urban charm. The film also does a commendable job of weaving a compelling visual language to depict the internal struggles of its protagonists, successfully bringing the audience even closer to their world.

"What If It Works?" delves into the complexities of mental health with sensitivity and light-hearted humour. Instead of romanticizing or dramatizing the disorders of its lead characters, the film gives an insightful look into their lives and choices, thereby shedding light on mental health with dignity. It explores the diverse range of human experiences and emotions, from melancholia to joy, from frustration to hope, and everything in between.

The screenplay offers a brilliant blend of wit, charm, and drama, keeping the audience hooked from the opening frame. The delivery of dialogues is sharp, effective, and loaded with a certain depth that comes with well-written scripts. The engaging backdrop, combined with the genuine performances of its cast, ensures the film leaves an impression.

At the heart of "What If It Works?" is a story of self-discovery, acceptance, and the power of human connection. It unravels the unconventional love evolving between Grace and Adrian, giving us hope that even when overwhelmed by our unique internal struggles, it just might work, if we let it.

In conclusion, "What If It Works?" is a beautifully crafted movie that uses the deft touch of comedy to tackle serious topics, such as mental health, and delivers a heartfelt and authentic narrative. It showcases an unconventional yet tender love story that encapsulates the messiness, the chaos, and the beauty of life, inspiring viewers to embrace their flaws and find love in unexpected places. The splendour of this captivating film will surely inspire audiences to celebrate individual differences, instead of stigmatizing them, rendering the movie a must-watch!