2 in the Bush: A Love Story

2 in the Bush: A Love Story is a captivating 2018 film showcasing a unique romantic narrative backed by clever humor and heartfelt sentiment. Helmed by director Laura Madalinski, the film boasts compelling performances from its dynamic cast, including leads Sarah Mitchell, Travis Delgado, and Caitlin Aase.

The film initially centers its storyline around Emily (Sarah Mitchell), a budding filmmaker who is fired from her job and dumped by her girlfriend on the same day. She experiences a series of unfortunate events and crosses paths with a charismatic male escort named Niko (Travis Delgado). From their chance meeting blossoms a beautiful and unconventional friendship, which serves as the stepping-stone into a journey of self-discovery and acceptance for Emily.

Niko, an experienced and committed escort, teaches Emily about the intricacies of life through his own experiences in the world. They share intimate and insightful moments that give the audience a fascinating look into their world and challenges societal norms on love and relationships. It is Niko who opens Emily’s eyes to the world of professional escorting - a career she’d never considered before but finds herself attracted to for its authenticity and freeing spirit.

Meanwhile, Emily’s roommate and best friend Rosa (Caitlin Aase) is single-mindedly focused on her stand-up comedy career, trying to make ends meet while nurturing her ambition of making it big in the industry. As Emily embarks on her new journey, things become complex when an unexpected romantic spark ignites between Emily and Rosa, causing a shift in their friendship, which had always been purely platonic.

This movie is a powerful depiction of different relationship dynamics and showcases the complexities and quirks of human emotions and connections. While it delves deep into the world of escorting, it does not aim to glorify or vilify the profession. Instead, it provides a Neutral portrayal that serves as the backdrop to Emily's emotional development and self-discovery.

As the plot unfolds, it allows viewers to challenge societal norms surrounding relationships and sexuality. The narrative focus is on polyamory, a less often explored relationship structure, in mainstream cinema. The filmmakers weave this seemingly unconventional concept through a storyline that is both enlightening and entertaining. The audience is led through an engaging narrative that explores themes of love, friendship, and acceptance; while stressing the importance of owning one’s sexuality and the journey to self-discovery.

All the actors deliver convincing performances that bring their characters to life. Sarah Mitchell’s portrayal of Emily is exceptional. She delivers a nuanced performance that effectively captures Emily's struggles and growth, making her character relatable to many viewers. Travis Delgado as Niko brings great charisma that compliments his character’s profession, and his empathetic portrayal adds depth to his character. Caitlin Aase as Rosa skillfully presents the emotional journey of her character, from her struggles with stand-up comedy to her complex feelings for Emily.

One of the strengths of 2 in The Bush - A Love Story is its ability to handle serious subjects with a gentle touch of humor. Throughout the film, genuine comedic moments paired with quick-witted dialogue help release tension and keep the mood light. These moments are well-balanced with the narrative's depth, ensuring there's a good blend of levity and gravity that keeps viewers engaged.

From a technical perspective, the cinematography and direction enhance the storytelling, capturing beautifully composed shots that convey more than just aesthetics, they mirror the characters’ inner turmoil and enlightenment. The film’s editing is smooth, maintaining a good pace that doesn't rush or slow the narrative unnecessarily. Also, the music is a great part of the film, providing an atmosphere that bolsters the narrative and shapes the audience's emotional response to the scenes.

In conclusion, 2 in the Bush: A Love Story is a refreshing, thought-provoking, and heartwarming look at love and relationships in its various forms. It brings out a dialogue about societal norms, sexuality, identity, friendship, and the exciting journey of self-discovery set against the fascinating and less-explored backdrop of escorting. The film is a must-see for romcom enthusiasts who appreciate a film that challenges societal norms while delivering a compelling and, at times, light-hearted storyline.