Adore

Adore, a 2013 dramatic film directed by Anne Fontaine (Coco Before Chanel), offers a provoking narrative that explores unconventional love, ever-changing relationships, and complex emotions. This highly sensual and intellectually engaging drama stars industry veterans Naomi Watts and Robin Wright, as well as the talented Xavier Samuel.

Set in a small seaside town in Australia, Adore is underscored by breathtaking visuals that form an idyllic backdrop to the emotionally charged scenes. Brilliant cinematographer Christophe Beaucarne beautifully presents the sunny, serene beachscapes that host the gripping tale, providing the film with a unique tone and distinctive visual style.

Leading actresses Watts and Wright powerfully portray long-time best friends, Lil and Roz, each offering stellar performances with nuanced depth and intricate character development. Their bond, that began in childhood, has remained unshaken throughout their lives, even as they married and started families of their own.

Their lives are further interconnected as their respective sons, Ian and Tom (played by Xavier Samuel and James Frecheville), also develop a similarly deep and enduring friendship. It's rewarding to see the relationship play out between these four characters, witnessing how their dynamics evolve over time and how certain decisions taken by them leave an indelible impact on their lives.

The plot takes a drastic turn when unexpected relationships form between the four of them. This twist, appealing to those who revel in non-traditional narratives, forms the crux of the movie. Each actor does a commendable job in effectively conveying the ensuing conflict, confusion, and emotional depth involved, hence making the unbelievable believable.

In Adore, Lil and Roz are complex, well-developed characters, each of whom is struggling with middle age and notions of self. They reflect on their past, their aging bodies, their unfulfilled desires, and the increasingly complicated dynamics with their adult sons. The resulting storytelling is nothing short of a psychological exploration of midlife, motherhood, and identity.

As the film progresses, the narrative becomes more intense, examining how the unconventional relationships and longing shape the characters. Watts and Wright bring their characters to life in ways that effectively humanize them, allowing viewers to understand, empathize and even sympathize with their complex emotions and unexpected choices.

Director Fontaine has crafted an emotionally packed drama that is simultaneously daring, poignant, and provocative. Adore challenges societal norms and taboos, confronting the conventional wisdom around relationships, age, and love.

Christopher Hampton's engaging screenplay adapted from a novella by Doris Lessing, "The Grandmothers," serves as the backbone of this tale shrouded in controversy and picturesque scenery. Hampton's writing is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally stimulating, examining the fabric of the human condition, and how love comes into play, without a judgmental lens.

The chemistry, especially among the lead actors, provides the film its beating heart. Samuel and Frecheville, as the sons, bring their characters to life convincingly, effectually providing performances to complement those of their seasoned co-stars.

The film’s soundtrack is another highlight, notable for its tender, evocative instrumentation that beautifully captures the mood of each scene. It complements the story as it unfolds, deepening the emotional resonance and amplifying the moment’s sentiment.

Adore subtly addresses themes of morality, social acceptance, the notion of forbidden love, and the consequences of crossing societal boundaries. It's a daring exploration into relationships that deviate from the societal norm, causing viewers to question their own perspective about love and relationships.

And, throughout the movie, it's the strength of the bond between the two women which anchors the story as they navigate the tumultuous sea of unconventional relationships, broken norms, and familial ties. The enduring friendship between Lil and Roz showcases an impressive display of enduring love and commitment, presenting an interesting contrast to the scintillating, questionable relationships that form the core of the film.

Adore remains a tour-de-force for Watts and Wright, showcasing their ability to breathe life into challenging characters while delivering impactful performances. It’s a thought-provoking film that reflects on relationships, motherhood, age, loyalty, and the lines one may or may not cross for love.

However, Adore is not a film that offers simple answers or resolutions, thankfully so. It instead invites us to step out of our comfort zones, broaden our outlook and be a part of an evocative exploration on love and relationships that defies societal norms. It's for the viewers who appreciate a well-crafted narrative that deviates from the conventional path, and for those who seek to understand the human condition in all its complex, beautiful, and sometimes controversial forms.