The ending to Richard Linklater’s excellent indie trilogy also happens to be the most realistically romantic movie I’ve seen in years.
What Works: 18 years ago, Ethan Hawke’s Jesse met Julie Delpy’s Celeste on a train in Before Sunrise and the two twentysomethings talked, felt a deep connection, and made love. 9 years ago, the same two met again in Paris in Before Sunset where they also talked, made a deeper connection, and flirted with the idea of making love (even though Jesse was married). Now the two are married and having real problems. The first half of the film shows them having slight confrontations in a Greek background floating around their friends, Jesse’s son from a previous marriage, and a long car ride. The second half has one of the most realistic showdowns I’ve ever seen in a movie.
The arguments and resentments between Celeste and Jesse feel like an argument a real couple could have, and I’ll admit a mix of audacious laughter and cringing when the sparks/darts begin to fly. This is better, deeper, more realistic, funnier, and (in its way) more romantic than any romantic comedy Hollywood has produced in years. The ending is absolutely perfect, a final shot that feels at once dark, hopeful, and so truthful it only heightens the romance.
What Doesn’t Work: I could feel fellow audience members dragging during the first half, although this is just softening us for the kill. Patience, as ever, is a virtue. Also, if you haven’t seen the first two movies, you will not enjoy this one nearly as much.
What I Would Have Done Differently: Probably reviewed this movie a couple weeks ago when it was still in theaters.