Privileged thirtysomethings whine about their romantic problems in this indie rom-com from writer-director Sam Neave. It displays greater formal ambition than most such exercises, transpiring in two extended takes of roughly 40 minutes each: the first, shot at sunset, depicts a rooftop barbecue that culminates with an argument between two old friends, while the second, shot at sunrise, depicts a beach house wedding party for one of those friends the following year. Neave moves fluidly between various conversations, occasionally using off-screen remarks to counterpoint what’s happening onscreen. This bears a passing resemblance to some of Andy Warhol’s 1960s experiments, though Warhol’s wry scrutiny is replaced by glibness and self-satisfaction.
Almost in Love
1 hour 20 min • 2013