Alvaro Rios

So far, best thriller I’ve seen released this year. I wouldn’t say it’s scary since it largely draws the fear factor from the first movie. This kinda takes away from the mystery. However the plot is well written and Naomi Scott’s performance makes it shine. The ending took me by surprise, it’s great from a psychological perspective.

Zendaya/Tashi won in the end!! I was initially a little turned off by this movie expecting it to meticulously zoom into a bunch of tennis matches (it does) But there’s so much more to it that I found it very complete The movie follows the lives and career of a throuple, tracing their roots from friendship to romance to rivalry into adulthood. As a result, there are coming of age moments as well as complicated adult marriage dynamics interwoven. Tashi’s character in particular is faced with unexpected turns of life that challenge her overconfident and strong persona. In her adult life, she struggles fitting into a traditional wife/mother role while being haunted in the shadow of her husband whose love has become more of a transactional tool to maintain an image of success. Patrick on the other hand comes off as the underdog, but I would argue he’s the happiest of three as he contains be genuinely himself and do what he loves. Granted that self is 30 something year old playboy with a mediocre tennis career. Art evoked a sense of pity from me as he seems to have ended up trapped in an unhappy life in spite of getting everything he wanted (Tashi and a successful career). Yet, in the end he is torn by the fact he just wants to be a normal dad and loving husband, while knowing that it will never be enough for Tashi. There’s definitely a lot more complexity to the characters behind the tennis facade. Like Tashin claims at one point, tennis is a relationship. And because their lives all came together from it, they are all in one

The metaphors are hard to understand, and there’s so many of them that it convolutes the message. The animation is still beautiful eye candy. But all in it doesn’t hit quite as hard as other Miyazaki films.

My rating is fully based on the spectacular performance by Emma Stone. She impressively nails down the character development and metamorphosis. She makes the beginning stages hilarious and exaggerated without trying too hard, letting us see another side of her talent. The mature Bella feels like the more traditional Stone role which is still amazing. I appreciate the cinematography and transitions. However, the storyline is a lot to take in. This movie is definitely NOT for everyone. And honestly could’ve been less sexualized.

It felt like such a pointless movie. I understand and sympathize with the dangers of being a female in the dating world. However, Margot’s particular fears and paranoia seemed to lack basis as in a compelling back story. Robert legitimately dooms himself by acting like a total creep, even though his intentions are innocent. The ending felt rushed and abrupt.