Love Is Not Love

Love Is Not Love is a captivating romantic movie released in 2020 that is filled with whimsy, symbolism, and vivid emotion. Rich in imaginative storytelling, the film is directed by Stephen Keep Mills, who also takes on a leading role. Starring alongside Mills are the talented Alejandra Gollas and Louise Martin. Using theater techniques to play out the story, the movie exploits avant-garde styles and scenic effects to add layers of complexity to the narrative, drawing audiences into a world where love refuses to conform to traditional norms.

The film explores the intense and often confusing realm of midlife love, the crisis it can provoke, and the eternal question of what love means when extending beyond customary romantic narratives. It challenges societal conceptions of love, forcing audiences to reconsider their own perspectives and preconceptions.

The story unfolds in a mini three-act play, where the two main characters Frank and Reyna, played by Mills and Gollas respectively, find themselves wriggling into unpredictable territory. Frank, married and middle-aged, teeters between the safety of his established routine and the dangerous allure of an offbeat affair with Reyna, a younger woman filled with vitality, mystery, and passionate eccentricities. Their interaction blossoms into a complex dance of seduction and repulsion, leading to provocative scenes and conversations that invite audiences to examine love's unsaid dimensions.

The day-to-day situation of the protagonists unfolds into an engaging series of tense and tender moments set against a backdrop of New York City and its soulful jazz. Gollas gives a standout performance as Reyna, captivating the audience with her charm, intelligence, and mystery, while her chemistry with Mills creates palpable tension. Mills, who portrays Frank, flawlessly embodies a man wrestling with his predictable life and the desires that can potentially shatter the tranquility of his existence.

In contrast, Louise Martin takes on the supporting role of Paula, Frank's wife. The character Paula is an intelligent woman fully aware of her husband's perplexities but is nonthreatening and non-judgmental. Martin's finely nuanced performance bolsters the narrative by adding a quietly touching layer of resilient patience and love.

The film's narrative uses moody lighting and close camera shots to provoke an intimate connection with the audience. The careful use of art direction to generate a gloomy, passionate ambiance in Frank and Reyna's interactions and the more passive, calm atmosphere during scenes that feature Paula adds another dimension of meaning, subtly enhancing the story's emotional feel.

Moreover, the overall feel of the film is further complimented by an exceptional score. The rhythm of jazz forms an atmospheric backbone to the narrative, creating a complimentary soundtrack for the tapestry of emotions that the characters navigate through.

In Love Is Not Love, director Mills has done an excellent job combining multiple artistic avenues to create a visually, symbolically, and emotionally rich film. The performances of the cast add depth to the layered narrative, eliciting a range of emotions, compelling viewers to relate their experiences to those on-screen. Mills has used every frame of the film to explore the essence of love through visual and thematic metaphors.

Above all, the storytelling in this film refuses to provide simplistic answers to the complexities of interpersonal relationships. It explores the nuances of love that are often overlooked in mainstream narratives, challenging audiences to question their own ideals about love and relationships.

In short, Love Is Not Love is a thought-provoking, meticulous exploration of the many layers of love. This thematically profound film offers a stirring narrative that compels viewers to delve deep into the myriad subtleties of romance and passion. It's an intriguing cinematic experience that lays out an interesting perspective of love—one that is far from the quintessential romantic tales.