Look Both Ways Story:-
Director Wanuri Kahiu’s “Look Both Ways” presents a compelling narrative centered around Natalie, a young woman on the brink of major life decisions. Through a chance encounter that leads to an unexpected pregnancy, Natalie’s carefully crafted plans are disrupted, prompting her to envision two divergent paths for her future. Portrayed with nuance and vulnerability by Lili Reinhart, Natalie grapples with the complexities of motherhood, career aspirations, and personal fulfillment.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 17 August 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
| Cast | Lili Reinhart, Luke Wilson, Andrea Savage, David Corenswet, Danny Ramirez, Nia Long, Aisha Dee, Taylor Murphy, Sahara Ale, Jason Johnson, Avery Hua, Sarah J. Bartholomew, Raven Heart, Alexandria Payne, Rue Casablancas, Willie Mellina, Olivia Cairo, Sai Piña |
| Director | Wanuri Kahiu |
| Writer | April Prosser |
| Production | Screen Arcade, Catchlight Studios |
| Certificate | 16+ |
The film skillfully blends elements of “Sliding Doors” and “For Keeps,” offering a fresh take on the concept of parallel universes. Instead of relying on fantasy or melodrama, Kahiu opts for grounded authenticity, exploring themes of risk-taking and acceptance of fate. Natalie’s journey unfolds in two distinct timelines, each presenting its own set of challenges and opportunities. In one reality, she pursues her career ambitions in Los Angeles, while in the other, she embraces the responsibilities of motherhood in her hometown.
Despite its narrative complexity, “Look Both Ways” struggles to provide meaningful character development for supporting roles, particularly Natalie’s friend Cara and romantic interests Gabe and Jake. While Natalie experiences growth and transformation, these characters are relegated to secondary roles, their arcs feeling underdeveloped and contrived. However, standout performances from Nia Long and Andrea Savage inject humor and depth into the film, complementing Reinhart’s portrayal of Natalie.
Visually, the film is a standout, with cinematographer Alan Caudillo and production designer Keith Brian Burns effectively differentiating between the two timelines through color palettes and set design. The film’s score, composed by Drum & Lace and Ian Hultquist, enhances the emotional resonance of key scenes, adding layers of complexity to Natalie’s journey.
At its core, “Look Both Ways” is a poignant exploration of life’s uncertainties and the choices we make along the way. While it may falter in certain narrative aspects, the film ultimately succeeds in its examination of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness. Through Natalie’s journey, audiences are reminded of the complexities of human experience and the importance of embracing the unknown with courage and resilience.
