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Blue Jay is a 2016 romantic drama directed by Alex Lehmann, starring Mark Duplass, Sarah Paulson, and Clu Gulager. The movie follows the story of two high school sweethearts who get a chance to meet after 20 years of being apart. They rekindle their romance and explore the emotions they had left unspoken in their youth. Jim Henderson (Mark Duplass) is a middle-aged man, living a mundane life in a small town in California. One day, he happens to run into his high school girlfriend, Amanda (Sarah Paulson) while shopping for groceries. They recognize each other but are initially hesitant to talk, awkwardly avoiding eye contact. However, as they start talking, they begin to realize that they have a lot of unresolved issues that they need to address.

As the movie progresses, we see Jim and Amanda reconnecting, reminiscing about their past, and discovering how much they have changed in the last 20 years. Through flashbacks, we explore their teenage years when they were inseparable, their first kiss, their first love, their dreams, and their fears. We see how they drifted apart after high school, how Amanda got married, had children, and Jim moved to Texas to pursue a music career.

The chemistry between Duplass and Paulson is electric, and their performances are exceptional. They both bring a sense of warmth and honesty to their roles, portraying the complexity of the emotions they are feeling - the excitement, the regret, and the pain. Their conversations are intense, raw, sometimes funny, and sometimes sad, but always genuine. They talk about everything, from their favorite movies to their biggest regrets, from their hopes for the future to their fears of growing older.

Blue Jay is a film that focuses on the human experience, on the nostalgia of looking back, on the bittersweetness of what could have been. It's also a story of hope, of the possibility of starting over, of not letting the past define our present. It's a very personal movie, shot in black and white, with close-ups that show the intimacy of the characters' interactions.

Clu Gulager, who plays Amanda's father, is another standout in the film. His character brings a sense of levity to the story and provides some comedic relief. His interaction with the main characters is amusing and touching, and his portrayal of a man who has lived long enough to know what's important in life is convincing.

The director, Alex Lehmann, manages to capture the essence of the story perfectly. His use of black and white cinematography creates an intimate atmosphere that enhances the emotions of the characters. The film's soundtrack, composed by Julian Wass, is subtle but effective, and it complements the visuals well.

Overall, Blue Jay is a beautiful film that resonates with anyone who has ever looked back at their youth and wondered what could have been. It's a film about love and how it can transcend time and distance. It's a poignant reminder that although life takes us on different paths, the people we meet along the way can leave a lasting impact on us. It's a must-see for anyone who appreciates heartfelt storytelling and exceptional performances.

Blue Jay is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 69.