Newness Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two people swipe right, decide monogamy is boring, then try to spice things up with questionable life choices, only to realize maybe swiping isn’t the answer after all.

🍿 Newness: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Hookup Culture and Initial Connection

Martin and Gabi are two millennials living in Los Angeles and actively participating in the hookup culture facilitated by social media and dating apps. They both use an app called ‘Tinx’ for casual encounters. Their initial connection is intense, fueled by physical attraction and a sense of novelty, leading them to quickly become a couple.

Exploring Boundaries and Open Relationship

As their relationship progresses, the initial excitement fades, and they grapple with boredom and the desire for ‘newness’. Gabi proposes an open relationship, suggesting they can see other people while remaining committed to each other. Martin, though hesitant, agrees, leading them to navigate the complexities and emotional challenges of non-monogamy.

Jealousy, Infidelity, and Emotional Turmoil

The open relationship creates jealousy and insecurity. Gabi begins a connection with an older man, while Martin struggles with feelings of inadequacy. They both engage in behavior that tests the boundaries of their arrangement, leading to arguments and emotional turmoil. Their relationship is further complicated by past traumas and unresolved issues.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Martin Hallock (Nicholas Hoult): A young pharmacist navigating modern dating through hookup apps who enters a complex relationship that challenges his views on monogamy.
• Gabi Silva (Laia Costa): A therapist exploring her desires and boundaries within an open relationship, testing the emotional limits of herself and her partner.
• Larry Bejerano (Danny Huston): An older, wealthy man who becomes involved with Gabi, representing a different perspective on relationships and providing her with a new experience.
• Blake Beeson (Courtney Eaton): A character involved in the dating app scene who represents the casual, less committed aspect of the hookup culture.
• Paul (Matthew Gray Gubler): A friend of Martin who offers advice and perspective on relationships, serving as a sounding board for Martin’s struggles.
• Bethany (Pom Klementieff): A character in Martin and Gabi’s social circle who navigates the complexities of relationships within the same modern dating landscape.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gabi Silva: “I think we’re going to get bored of each other.” – Gabi expresses her anxieties about the potential monotony of a long-term relationship.
• Martin Hallock: “That’s okay. You know, bored is okay.” – Martin responds, suggesting that boredom is a normal part of any relationship and can be overcome.
• Gabi Silva: “We’re going to resent each other, too.” – Gabi continues to express her doubts about their future, anticipating potential resentment.
• Martin Hallock: “We’ll remind each other why we’re worth it.” – Martin counters her doubts with optimism, believing they can overcome challenges by valuing each other.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $124,783

💥 Newness Reviews

Personal Review

As a millennial myself, ‘Newness’ hit me right in the feels. The awkwardness of navigating dating apps, the fear of commitment, and the constant search for something ‘more’ – it’s all so relatable. I particularly loved the scene where they try to define the rules of their open relationship; it was both hilarious and heartbreaking. It made me question my own views on relationships and whether ‘newness’ is always the answer.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Millennials interested in relationship dramas”
  • “Viewers who enjoy films exploring modern dating culture”
  • “Fans of Nicholas Hoult and Laia Costa”
  • “Those interested in open relationship dynamics”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Infidelity”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Newness skillfully captures the anxieties and intensities of modern relationships, mediated through technology, even if it struggles to fully explore its themes.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While the film boasts strong performances from Hoult and Costa, its exploration of open relationships feels somewhat familiar and lacks a truly fresh perspective.
• Variety: “Doremus elicits raw, intimate performances, but the narrative meanders and ultimately struggles to make a profound statement about love and connection in the digital age.

Audience Reactions

The raw and honest portrayal of modern relationships resonated deeply with viewers.: Many praised the film for its unflinching look at the complexities of love, sex, and commitment in the age of dating apps.

The chemistry between Nicholas Hoult and Laia Costa was a standout for many audience members.: Viewers highlighted their believable performances and the palpable tension between their characters.

Overall Consensus: A thought-provoking and often uncomfortable exploration of modern love, with strong performances but a potentially divisive narrative.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Drake Doremus dedicated the movie to Anton Yelchin, who starred in his earlier film, ‘Like Crazy’.”
• “The film explores the complexities of modern relationships in the age of social media and dating apps, focusing on the challenges of commitment and honesty.”
• “The film’s visual style often employs close-ups and a shaky camera, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy.”

🖥️ How to Watch Newness?

As of October 26, 2024, ‘Newness’ is available for streaming on platforms such as Hulu with a Showtime add-on, and can be rented or purchased on demand through services like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Newness, you might like these similar films:

• Like Crazy (2011): Also directed by Drake Doremus, explores the challenges of a long-distance relationship with intense emotional depth.
• Equals (2015): Another Drake Doremus film that deals with love and relationships in a futuristic setting where emotions are suppressed.
• Blue Valentine (2010): Examines the deconstruction of a relationship over time, highlighting both the beautiful beginnings and the painful decline.
• Closer (2004): A raw and honest portrayal of modern relationships, infidelity, and the complexities of love and desire.

🛒 Newness Related Products

• Like Crazy (DVD): Another film directed by Drake Doremus, exploring themes of love and long-distance relationships.
• Esther Perel – Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence: Book exploring modern relationships, infidelity, and desire. Esther Perel even makes a cameo in the film.
• Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari: Modern Romance is a 2015 non-fiction book about the challenges of dating in the digital age. The book was written by comedian Aziz Ansari and sociologist Eric Klinenberg
• Official ‘Newness’ Movie Poster: High-quality print featuring the film’s artwork.

🎧 Soundtrack

Newness features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Call it love (if you want to)” – performed by George Fitzgerald

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Directing Techniques & Tips: Best of Sundance Directors

Ever wonder how Drake Doremus creates such raw and emotional films? Check out this Sundance interview where he shares his directing secrets—it’s super insightful, and you might even pick up some tips for your own projects!

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