Newness

Newness

Synopsis

Newness is a story of love, set in the present-day reality where love is just a swipe away on dating apps and casual relationships are the norm. Martin (Nicholas Hoult) & Gabi (Laia Costa) are two millennials living in Los Angeles and they first interact on a dating app. There is clear attraction on both parts which leads to them moving in together almost instantly and deciding to wet their feet in an intense relationship. But as time goes by, the infatuation slowly starts to wear off which forces the couple to not only confront their emotional baggage, but also their intimacy issues as well as the allure of modern-day open relationships.

This piece, Newness, could be viewed as a love story, but in a truer sense, it is a commentary on modern day relationships highlighting the key factors including monogamous relationships, emotional intimacy and connection in a world full of instant gratification culture.

Cast and Performances

Nicholas Hoult (Martin): Martin is stuck in a world where feelings and emotions are viewed as weak yet he is desired to be tough, which we get to see in his performance. His character arc is emotional and relatable yet he manages to pull it off perfectly alongside his role in The Favourite and Mad Max: Fury Road.

Laia Costa (Gabi): Costa, the Spanish actress known from Victoria (2015), breathes life into the emotionally intricate character of Gabi. She portrays the fierce and self-complacent side of a woman who is more than willing to explore her weakness and needs.

Danny Huston (Larry): Huston serves as Martin’s older friend and mentor delivering a strong input into the overall picture as he enhances the eloquent search of love and contentment the film aims to depict.

Courtney Eaton (Blake): In one of the minor roles, Eaton plays one of Martin’s love interests which epitomizes the short-term attachments that are a norm in the hookup society.

Themes and Cultural Significance

Newness is an exploration into the dating landscape of the millennials and poses the question of whether relationships that form out of one night stans stand the test of time, while appearing to be its counterpart. The movie investigates emotional distance, self-discovery through love, the excitement of novelty over the comfort of being taken.

When dating applications such as Tinder and Bumble are a norm, the film glooms up the way technology interfered into intimate relationships converting it into a cheap and convenient affair. The designated director, Drake Doremus who was known for ‘Like Crazy’ and ‘Equals’ has yet again produced a film in an expected style, intertwined improvisation with raw emotions resulting in a true depiction of the modern love.

Critical Reception

Newness, a film released in 2018, has elicited mixed to positive reviews. Critics have praised the film for its realism regarding modern relationships and noted the performances of both Hoult and Costa. However, others opined that some aspects of the film were slightly cliched and did not include anything insightful. The intimate witnessing style of directing aligned along with the two leads’ powerful performances were well received as they depicted what many found to be difficult – modern dating.

Behind the Scenes

Improvised Dialogue – True to Doremus’ form, most of the dialogue was improvised. This approach enabled the actors to present a much more naturalistic approach to their performances.

Production – Since the film was produced on a limited budget, they were forced to use handheld cameras along with the use of natural light to amplify the set atmosphere.

Collaboration – This is yet another time Doremus collaborates with writer Ben York Jones, who is appreciated for customizing deeply stirring love and lost stories (Like Crazy).

Recommended For Fans Of

Like Crazy (2011) – Another film by Drake Doremus that follows the lives of long distance lovers.

Blue Valentine (2010) – An honest representation of the ups and downs of a romantic relationship.

Victoria (2015) – Another film featuring Laia Costa that displays her powerful captivating performances.

Her (2013) – An exploration of love and technology in a modern context.

Final Thoughts

Newness encapsulates both the exhilarating peaks and the devastating valleys of love in an era where technology ties us together and simultaneously separates us. While it may not be closely, the film does present some compelling performances in its portrayal of intimacy, desire and commitment as it relates to modern day issues. This is an interesting film to watch for those who like films with themes that centre on the intricacies of relationships in today’s world.

Would you need advice for other films on similar concepts or a deeper understanding of the professions of Nicholas Hoult or Laia Costa?

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