Watch Look Both Ways

Look Both Ways is a thought-provoking romantic drama that unfolds like a journey through parallel worlds, taking viewers on an exploration of life's endless possibilities. Starring Lili Reinhart, known for her breakout role in the popular TV series "Riverdale," the film showcases her versatility as an actor, playing the lead character, Natalie, whose life splits into two alternate realities on the eve of her college graduation. Danny Ramirez and Aisha Dee feature prominently in the supporting cast, adding depth and charm to the narrative.

The story begins on the cusp of adulthood, a time fraught with potential and uncertainty. Natalie's life diverges on the night of her graduation—a pivotal moment that acts as a crossroads. In one reality, Natalie’s pregnancy test comes back negative, and she embarks on her dream journey to pursue a career in animation in Los Angeles. This path leads her down a road of professional aspirations, personal growth, and the trials and tribulations that accompany a life dedicated to following one's passions.

The other path unfolds when Natalie's pregnancy test is positive. Instead of moving to Los Angeles, she stays in her Texas hometown to navigate an unplanned motherhood. This alternate life is one of unexpected challenges and domestic responsibilities, yet it's imbued with the warmth and fulfillment that family life can provide. In this reality, Natalie discovers different facets of herself and learns to find joy and purpose in paths she had never anticipated.

The movie unfolds these simultaneous stories with a delicate touch, inviting the audience to ponder the monumental impact of choice and chance upon our lives. Each version of Natalie faces her unique set of obstacles, relationships, and self-discoveries, yet their journeys are intertwined by the universal quest for happiness, identity, and meaning. Along the way, Natalie's relationships with the people closest to her—her best friend, her romantic interests, and her family—take shape differently in each reality, emphasizing how our choices influence not only our lives but also the lives of those around us.

Lili Reinhart's portrayal of Natalie is both grounded and enchanting, allowing the audience to connect deeply with her character's struggles and triumphs. Natalie's dual storylines are woven together seamlessly, with Reinhart delivering a performance that captures the nuances of each of Natalie's parallel lives. Danny Ramirez and Aisha Dee complement Reinhart's performance with their own contributions, navigating the shifting dynamics of friendship and love in ways that feel authentic and heartfelt.

Director Wanuri Kahiu, in collaboration with screenwriter April Prosser, presents Look Both Ways as a canvas for reflecting upon the unpredictability of life. The film deftly examines the concept that even seemingly small decisions can lead to vastly different outcomes. As the narrative unfolds across split realities, the director employs a sophisticated visual language to differentiate between the two, using color tones, framing, and pacing that help the viewer to distinguish and delve into each unique world.

The movie is as much about personal choices as it is about fate and destiny. It explores the breathtaking variety of forms that love and success can take, and how the roads we travel, whether by choice or by chance, can lead us to moments of profound self-realization. Look Both Ways invites viewers to reflect on their own lives, to consider how their decisions have shaped their paths, and to embrace the beauty of life's unpredictable nature.

Furthermore, Look Both Ways touches upon themes of feminism and self-empowerment. Natalie's character embodies the essence of a modern woman, facing the societal pressures and expectations that come with career and motherhood. The film boldly addresses the struggles of work-life balance, the stigmas associated with single parenthood, and the often unspoken challenges that women face in pursuit of their dreams.

Aimed at a young adult audience, the film resonates with those standing at their own crossroads, pondering the what-ifs of life's vast tapestry. Despite its contemplative subject matter, Look Both Ways is imbued with a sense of hope and optimism. The duality of Natalie’s story serves as a poignant reminder that life, with all its twists and turns, is not merely about the destination but also the journey.

Ultimately, Look Both Ways stands out as a moving cinematic experience, successfully blending drama, romance, and a dash of comedy to create a compelling and thought-provoking film. Its exploration of parallel universes is both an entertaining narrative device and a profound metaphor for the ever-present 'what could have been' question that haunts us all, inviting the audience to look at their own lives from a fresh perspective and, just like Natalie, find beauty and meaning in whichever path they follow.

Look Both Ways is a 2022 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 49.