The One I Love Is Surprisingly Sci-Fi

As the “Best of” lists roll out for 2014, I couldn’t help but notice that one movie kept popping up on science fiction film lists that I had no idea was science fiction. The One I Love is a film starring actor/writer/director Mark Duplass and Mad Men’s Elisabeth Moss. It’s a movie about a couple struggling to stay together. At the recommendation of a therapist, played by Ted Danson, they visit a country cottage to spend quality time with one another, but there’s a twist.

I was debating on whether to share the element that makes this film what it is. I went in full of wonder, “How does this keep landing on the ‘Best of Sci-Fi’ Lists?” I have decided to let you in a small part of the secret, so we can really dive in. The cottage comes with a detached guesthouse, and when either Sophie (Moss) or Ethan (Duplass) enter the house, the other person’s double appears. So when Sophie visits the house, she is greeted by a version of Ethan she finds appealing. Ethan sees the carefree Sophie that he fell in love with.

The development drives an obvious wedge in the relationship. If you could leave your significant other with their flaws and end up with the ideal version, would you? If you didn’t have to pry your boyfriend to open up about his feelings or you got your girlfriend to stop nagging, what would be the price?

The One I Love, currently available for instant streaming on Netflix, is directed by Charlie McDowell and written by Justin Lader. Duplass and Moss are excellent as both their real versions and the doubles. The movie depends on not one, but two, convincing performances from each of them and the film really works. In an unrealistic situation, the decisions the couple make feel based in reality and it’s hard to tell which character you should place your allegiance in, especially because there are many twists and turns. Overall, I say give it a go. There’s a reason it’s one of the best of the year.

If you enjoyed Carly’s piece, you can find the rest of her work right HERE on Sci-Fi Bloggers. You can also follow her on Twitter @MrsCarlyRodgers.

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