The Lovers (2017)

The characters in The Lovers and the problems they face and struggle with feel entirely authentic, as does the magnetic chemistry between the leads.

This film is a real pleasure and surprise because it sees old emotions as things that can be replenished and renewed if you are open and not too rigid about the boundaries of your relationships with others.

The movie deals less with awkwardness of this comedic scenario than the emotions it creates for its central duo, and the psychological struggle when words can only go so far.

Rather like its central relationship, the film is messy and flawed yet painfully familiar.

The Lovers is a comedy of Middle American doldrums that leaves you rooting for its characters instead of smirking at them.