Watch Where We Started

Where We Started is a 2013 indie film directed by Chris Hansen. The movie captures the theme of love and relationships, showcasing the relationship dynamics of a married couple Marianne (Cora Vander Broek) and Daryl (Matthew Brumlow) during a weekend getaway. Marianne and Daryl are contemplating divorce, and they use the trip as one last attempt to salvage their relationship. The couple's stories are intertwined with that of a young couple, Lorna (Lauren German) and Nate (Mark Reeb). Lorna and Nate are on their way to California, where Nate plans to propose to Lorna in the hopes of starting a new life.

The four characters meet in a motel in rural Kansas, where they become friends during their brief stay. The movie tries to explore human relationships in their rawest form, depicting love, forgiveness, temptation, and the consequences that come with our actions.

The plot is relatively simple and uncomplicated, focusing more on the characters' conversations and emotions rather than explicit plotlines. Hansen does an excellent job of capturing the subtle nuances of the characters, their insecurities, vulnerabilities, and desires. The cinematography and score also amplify the emotions, providing the movie with a palpable atmosphere of melancholy and longing.

One of the most striking aspects of Where We Started is the use of dialogues. The movie is heavily dialogue-driven, with long stretches of conversations between the characters. The conversations are organic, exploring the tremulous dynamics of relationships and the struggle to keep them alive. The movie further highlights how these conversations can be both painful and necessary in building healthy relationships.

The acting is another strong point of the movie. Cora Vander Broek gives a remarkable performance as Marianne, delivering an authentic portrayal of a woman struggling to come to terms with her marriage's disintegration. Matthew Brumlow, on the other hand, plays the role of Daryl with an equal amount of believability, providing the audience with a glimpse into the complexities and insecurities that men face in relationships.

Stan Denman's character, the motel manager, further adds a layer of authenticity to the movie. His portrayal of a man who has lived through various relationships and encountered numerous travelers is nothing short of impressive. Lauren German and Mark Reeb's characters, although smaller roles, provide good complementary performances, giving different perspectives on what the audience has seen so far.

The movie's subtle approach to its themes is refreshing, as it doesn't try to overdramatize or simplify them. Instead, the movie chooses to delve deeper into the intricacies of human relationships, showing that love and relationships take work, compromise, and a willingness to be vulnerable.

Where We Started is an emotional journey that offers something for every viewer, love, loss, and redemption. The movie explores the ebbs and flows of relationships, acknowledging that they do not always end in forever. It offers a sobering perspective on how we all remain connected in some way or the other, whether we like it or not. Overall, Where We Started is a refreshing and captivating movie that will leave you taking a hard look at your own relationships.

In conclusion, Where We Started is a well-acted, well-directed film with a beautifully woven plot that will leave you emotionally drained. Hansen's minimalist approach to filmmaking, emphasized by the distinctive dialogue, makes the film feel real, engaging, and relatable. Despite the apparent simplicity of the plot, the film's themes are complex and thought-provoking, providing audiences with a balanced view of relationship dynamics. If you're looking for a film that explores human emotions and relationships genuinely, Where We Started is a must-watch.

Where We Started is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.