On Again Off Again

On Again Off Again is a romantic comedy movie that tells the story of a couple, Katie and Ben, who has been in an on-again, off-again relationship for the past three years. The movie was released in 2016 and directed by Gavin Michael Booth. The cast includes Charlie Hamilton as Ben, Melinda Michael as Katie, and Arsalan Shirazi as Neil, Ben's best friend.

The movie opens with Katie and Ben sitting in a park, discussing their relationship status. They have a good time together, but Katie wants something more serious, while Ben is happy with the way things are. They decide to take a break, and Ben leaves for a six-month-long trip to Europe.

While Ben is away, Katie is introduced to Neil, who is working on a project with her at work. Neil is charming, funny, and very different from Ben. Katie is initially hesitant to start a relationship with Neil, but eventually gives in. They have a great time together and start to fall in love.

Soon after, Ben returns from his trip to Europe and wants to rekindle his relationship with Katie. But Katie is torn between her feelings for Neil and Ben, and she is not sure what to do. She confides in her best friend, who advises her to take some time to think and figure out her feelings.

As Katie tries to make up her mind, Ben starts to compete with Neil for her affections. They both try to win her over by taking her out on dates and doing things that they know she would like. Katie is flattered by their attention, but she doesn't want to hurt either of them.

The movie is filled with funny moments, misunderstandings, and heartwarming scenes. The love triangle between Katie, Ben, and Neil is well-played out, and the chemistry between the characters is excellent. The film also touches on the themes of self-discovery, personal growth and how to navigate relationships.

A significant aspect of this movie is the representation of nuanced relationships, not just romantic ones. It presents just how much of our lives revolve around our relationships and how they transform us. It showcases the importance of knowing oneself to be able to make the best decisions for oneself and how important it is to have honest communication with oneself.

The acting is also commendable, particularly by the lead actors, Melinda Michael and Charlie Hamilton, who bring a touch of realism to their characters. Their chemistry is fantastic, and they are convincing in portraying the ups and downs in their relationship. Arsalan Shirazi also delivers a standout performance as Neil, who gives a very likeable character to the film.

The movie has an upbeat soundtrack, with a mix of classic and contemporary tracks that keep the audience entertained. The cinematography is also fantastic, with beautiful shots of the urban cityscape of Toronto in various seasons.

One of the highlights of the movie is how it deconstructs the idea of the perfect relationship. It portrays the struggle we all face in balancing love, commitment, and self-discovery while evoking some chuckles from the viewers. It is a refreshing take on romantic comedies, and it encourages open communication in relationships, something other films in the genre do not always showcase.

In conclusion, On Again Off Again is a delightful romantic comedy with relatable themes that will resonate with viewers, particularly those who have been in love and the complexities that come with it. It is a movie that will make you laugh, cry and perhaps reflect on your own love life choices. The film addresses the reality of how people look at relationships and questions the concept of the perfect “happily ever after,” making this movie a must-watch for rom-com lovers.