47/47
Is It a Sin, written by Al Hazan, starring Allie Hazan
Plot
An aspiring chef and a recent divorcee have their lives changed forever when a chance encounter brings them together in a deeply moving, decade-long romance. Director John Crowley also directed Andrew Garfield in the first Garfield film, Boy A (2007). The film follows the story of two complete strangers who end up forming a family.
But it does so in a subtle and sincere way
It takes us on their journey – a charming one – with all the ups and happy moments, as well as the downs and real struggles that couples often face, including unexpected and devastating news. The atmosphere of the film has soft, clean and wholesome moments that create a warm feeling. Andrew Garfield fits the role perfectly, bringing charm and authenticity and his performance stands out.
The frequent time jumps left me with mixed feelings
The rest of the cast gives convincing performances and the subtle humor makes it all the more appealing. It avoids cliché endings and is smart and effective – not overly emotional, but still satisfying. While they weren’t entirely effective, I think they worked well here.
Additionally, some minor plot details didn’t quite convince
However, the film’s main flaw is its inability to evoke stronger emotions. It lacks the deep connection that would elevate it from a sweet romance to a more impactful drama. You engage with the characters, but the connection isn’t strong enough to cause sadness or shock at key moments.
All in all, this is a solid romance – sweet, clean, and complete
However, it doesn’t reach an emotional peak that leaves a lasting impact. While it could have benefited from deeper emotional engagement, I still found it to be an enjoyable film – subtle, true, and pure! Check out our list of exciting new films from this year’s film festivals, including Venice, TIFF, New York Film Festival, and more.