Before Midnight
"now I know why sylvia plath put her head in a toaster"
before midnight immediately feels different from the prior two movies in the trilogy. It feels more modern, for one, but also the beginning scenes had me skeptical about how much I’d like it. But I loved how the director intentionally leaves the endings open and how it was implied that Jesse and Celine had an intimate encounter without explicitly showing it on screen. This approach leaves room for the viewer’s imagination and enhances the film’s romantic tone.
I also loved how each part feels like a standalone film and how the series explores perspectives on life, relationships, and many topics I was eager to discuss with someone. It’s amazing how their beliefs and ideas evolve, yet some things remain constant throughout.
Once they leave the other characters and start walking to the hotel room, though, I was immediately sucked back in and reminded of why this trilogy is so brilliant. What follows once they reach the hotel room is some of the best acting/dialogue I’ve seen in a long time. close to perfect.
Now if you’ll excuse me I’ll go ponder my whole idea of romance and its longevity.