Before Midnight

They're still hot in their 40's , sue me. I found it really surprising that this is the lowest rated out of the 'before' trilogy, because to me this is by far the most mature of the three films. Ethan Hawke has stated that the three films in this trilogy are representations of 'what might be' , ';what should be' and 'what is' - with these considerations in mind it might be easy to label this film as pessimistic, or bleak, especially in comparison to its counterparts. But, I think midnight is by far the most realistic of the three, because it doesn't have any flowery naivete to fall back on. Celine and Jessie have had to spend a life together. it's the perfect callback to the first film where jesse admits that: 'people have these romantic projections they put on everything. That's not based on any kind of reality.' It's all true, It's easy to have overwhelming feelings for someone you've not had the privilege (and the pain) of actually knowing. The first two films weave a narrative of all of the potential beauty and bliss that 'true love' could bring. Before midnight is a cruel but necessary destruction of this narrative. It is linklater grabbing us firmly but compassionately by the shoulders , looking us in the eye's and saying 'this is hard work'. It is a call to action: to start treating love as the imperfect, tumultuous and labor filled action that it actually is. That's not to say that it's always going to be painful, or that any kind of abusive behaviour should be tolerated; Just that it isn't the panacea that we often mischaracterize it to be. The following section of this review might be TMI, but I think it definitely explains why I have an attachment to this film at this exact point in time. About a month ago, I returned from a overseas trip to south america. While I was in Lima I met someone who I really really liked, we went on a couple dates and decided to stay in touch after I left the country. I REALLY like this person. It's undeniable that we have a palpable connection but by being distant I've been able to concoct some pretty naive fantasy's of them in my head. Rather than facing the reality of the hard work, baggage, uncomfortability that a real relationship brings I've been content to indulge in all the positive and lovely things i see in this person. Also, as of half a year ago, I came out of a three and half year relationship. It was by no means a mutual or cordial break up, but it was a constant reminder of my shortcomings and inherent incompatibilities as a partner. Regardless, I choose to look back at all of the best parts of our connection because I know they are just as palpable and real as all the shitty unfortunate stuff. I've divulged all of this just to say that this film has a really sincere and well intentioned core. It doesn't want you to feel the disillusion that comes with that late stage in a relationship, where you realise that things aren't everything you dreamed them to be. It doesn't want you to give up on finding love entirely in spite of this reality. The final scene, ends on a positive note. It is more or less open ended just like the previous two films. We may never know what is in store for Jessie and Celine, but when jesse says 'If you want love, then this is it. This is real life. It's not perfect but it's real.' it's like he is winking directly at the camera. it's like he is reminding you that the other two films were merely setting you up for this realisation. and that's why this film is my favourite of the three. that's why this entire trilogy feels like a warm hug. Recommended Triple Feature: The Before Trilogy (1995, 2004, 2013)