Even in Tight Relationships, We All See Things Differently

Rating: 8/10 (8 February 2012)

The proverb says "perception is reality," but if that's the case we're all living in a world of our own. By way of a repeatedly time-hopping narrative, this film addresses the competing perspectives present in every long-term relationship, and how something as innocuous as a smile can be interpreted completely differently by the two people sharing it. With a ton of post-production tricks and stunts in editing, it runs the risk of being over-conceptual and spoiled, but by keeping a steady focus on that one central point that all winds up complimenting the message nicely. Zooey Deschanel plays her typical hip, quirky character (if you're not already a fan of her act, she won't convince you here) and her pairing with Joseph Gordon-Levitt feels fun and natural while it lasts. Both characters are thoroughly rounded, with neither taking all the blame for their relationship's trials and tribulations - a rarity for directorial confessionals - and they're accompanied along the way by a dynamite soundtrack.