Set on the stunning Italian island of Ischia, this indie drama tells the story of an American woman (Kate Bosworth) who befriends a 19-year-old heartthrob (Jamie Blackley) while on a work-related vacation with her detached husband (Iddo Goldberg). Their marriage is loveless, so it’s only a matter of time before the woman and the heartthrob start a heated affair—at least, that’s the logic of this film, which despite the exotic location is dreadfully familiar. It so resembles other works (Voyage to Italy and Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy are the most obvious forebears) that whenever something unique finds its way in, it’s all the more striking just by virtue of contrast. But for every such moment there’s a sappy montage or overt visual reference to Rossellini to cheapen the effect. Kat Coiro directed her own screenplay.
And While We Were Here
R • 1 hour 23 min