You, Me and Him

You, Me and Him is a 2017 British romantic comedy directed by Daisy Aitkens. This heartwarming and humor-filled movie boasts a strong cast, featuring well-known actors such as David Tennant, Lucy Punch, and Nina Sosanya. The story offers a refreshing take on the complexities of modern-day relationships, deftly tackling taboos related to age difference, gender roles, and diverse family structures.

We're introduced to Olivia (Lucy Punch), a successful, career-driven woman and her girlfriend Alex (Fina Oruche), a crafts-loving homebody. The couple is deeply in love but are at different stages of their lives, which causes friction between them. Olivia is the more mature of the two and is contemplating motherhood, while the younger Alex seems content with the freedom of their current life and the fun and frolic it brings. The difference in their priorities becomes the root cause of many arguments, and their relationship becomes more strained when they broach the subject of having a baby.

In the midst of their disagreements, their eccentric neighbor John (David Tennant) enters the picture. John's showy, bohemian lifestyle and flamboyant persona sharply contrast the stable, secure, and somewhat predictable lives of Alex and Olivia – adding an entertaining dynamic to the story.

As the narrative progresses, the trio finds themselves deeply embroiled in an awkward love triangle, burdened with the nuanced complications it brings. The discourse between parenthood and partnership intensifies, leading to a series of events that are both comedic and serious. The movie unravels the tangle of relationships, love, and the challenges of starting a family in an entertaining yet heartfelt manner.

Punch's portrayal of a career-oriented woman wrestling with self-doubt and maternal instincts is both touching and believable. On the other hand, Tennant, with his unpredictable antics, brings buoyancy to the film. He effectively portrays a whimsical character with a lot of heart hidden beneath the surface. Oruche's ability to bring depth to Alex's character, a woman struggling with acceptance and fear of responsibility while juggling her life and relationship, is noteworthy.

The carefully crafted plot delves into the characters’ personal journeys while exploring themes of societal norms and their impact on personal choices. The tone of it ranges from lighthearted and humorous to deeply moving. Despite the veneer of comedy, the movie touches upon real issues faced by many modern couples, marking it as a film that is as thought-provoking as it is knee-slappingly funny.

Additionally, the landscape of You, Me and Him – though slender in scale – is effectively utilised by the production team. The picturesque backdrop of the countryside, quaint houses, and cozy interiors add an extra layer of charm to the film. The cinematography supports the plot well, making it visually appealing to audiences.

The movie also showcases the several misunderstandings and misconceptions that society attaches to alternative modern family lifestyles. It navigates through its storyline in a manner that doesn't shy away from these controversial matters but also maintains a lightheartedness throughout its runtime.

The supporting characters also deserve a mention; they breathe life into the story, providing comic relief and aiding in the smooth transition of events. The sharp, wit-filled dialogues penned by Aitkens deserve special praise and hold attention by maintaining a steady pace throughout the film.

Overall, You, Me and Him is a delightfully refreshing movie that packs laughter, tears, and thought-provoking moments, all while addressing the misunderstandings and challenges surrounding unconventional family structures and relationships. It's recommended for anyone looking for a heartwarming film that seamlessly blends comedy with real-life issues. With a well-conceived plot, engaging performances and a signature British sense of humor, this movie is sure to leave you tearing up in laughter and deep in thought in equal measure.