Wow. Just finished watching this. What a beautiful film, both in terms of aesthetics and in terms of the expression of the story. The black and white cinematography was gorgeous and worked so well to hold this particular yarn up and make it particularly evocative. The direction by Alex Lehmann was really on point throughout, I thought. He made decision after decision that was just right.
But oh my goodness, the acting! Mark Duplass was splendid as Jim, and really captured both his present state and the burden of nostalgia that has clearly weighed on him for two decades. Of course, Sarah Paulson was fantastic as always, as Amanda. There's something so real to her performance. Both she and Duplass manage to capture a stunning authenticity and naturalism. And their chemistry together was moving and sincere. Flat out, one of the best acted films I've seen in a while.
I believe that anyone over a certain age who has felt this sort of love at some time is going to understand the power of nostalgia that the film exhibits. And I don't care what anyone says, I cried like a baby at the end.
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