The unusual plot of this 2013 melodrama caused a lot of conflicting responses. The story of two best friends, tested by time and love, taken from the novel of the Iranian writer Doris Lessing, is the basis for the film “Secret Attraction”. Reviews about him, as well as a number of interesting facts, we will consider further.
Usual start
It seemed that this picture was supposed to be ordinary among many others, annually appearing on screens. The director Anne Fontaine, who managed to become famous for subtle dramatic and often erotic works, wrote an adapted script. The budget turned out to be average by Hollywood standards, and a bigger plot was not required. What happened with the movie “Secret Attraction”? The reviews of the audience were divided into two fronts. Why - try to find out.
First perception
The premiere of the melodrama took place at the Sundance Film Festival. The first critics' assessments reflected the essence of the film itself. These are stunning picturesque landscapes (it is worth paying tribute to the creators who have successfully chosen a place for filming), and love scenes, without which it is difficult to imagine such a creation. Nature connects them together: they say that relationships are subject to a physiological call, a ban often exists in them, but they are always natural.
What is the “Secret Attraction” about? The content of the film is clear and accessible, on the other hand, original and atypical. Two old friends who have known each other since childhood, together experienced the hardships of life. In summer, they retired to a house on a cliff. Roses and Lil harmoniously combine work with relaxation. Fresh air, clear sea water, a pleasant company give rise to a sense of calm and tranquility.
Together with them, their same-age sons are resting. Athletic, fit, they cause feelings ... excitement in adult women. Friends do not look at their sons, but at strangers. It turns out that each of them has long liked the girlfriend’s son, but no one dares to admit it. Over time, the secrets of a love quadrangle break out ...
Relationship difficulties
Indeed, the film “Secret Attraction” raised a very delicate topic. The relationship of a young guy with a 40-year-old woman, framed by light eroticism, can destroy the usual lifestyle of each of the four characters. In addition, Jan and Tom now feel discomfort in their relationship, because they, like their friends, have to make a choice. How to build a future life in such a difficult situation?
Many viewers will say that they should have thought about the consequences before. The Secret Attraction movie is a great example to think about your mistakes. The authors of the film plunge deeply into the problem under consideration, drawing to the surface a lot of details and nuances. What boundaries should not be crossed? Which of the heroes can (or should) be justified, and which can be condemned? What if for Roses and Lil such a relationship presents a chance to feel welcome again, loved again? After all, none of them is ready to lose their happiness, but circumstances make it difficult to make a difficult choice.
Seasoned with provocation
Like films recognized by most viewers, an unequivocal opinion is difficult to express in relation to the picture “Secret Attraction”. The reviews of critics, who did not miss the opportunity to savor a delicate topic, are inclined to believe that initially the genre orientation was completely different. Indeed, as Anne Fontaine later admitted, she presented the picture as a provocative drama written off from a female novel by Doris Lessing. The result was a family movie with a whole chain of topics: sexual attraction (many called it “body exchange”), middle-aged feelings , learning about the joys of intimacy with those who are more experienced, the pangs of life burdened by previous marriages, and, of course, the problem choice as a final conclusion. On the other hand, what prevents Tom and Jan from finding testosterone with their age? Fortunately, the film will clearly show that the forbidden romance was only a temporary period, when one of the guys starts looking at the appetizing forms of a young girl.
Not sex, but drama
The painting “Secret Attraction” (2013) will find its place among similar films. At the same time, the line between drama and eroticism will not disappear. In general, “Attraction ...” hides the passions, leaving the viewer only those few scenes with shown pleasure and attempts between acts of love to talk about the future. Sexual taboos are not the primary message, they only complement thoughts about the forbidden fruit. Many viewers saw in the story of the heroines the sadness of the time spent, and therefore fresh emotions seem to them almost a lifeline in the waters of monotony.
Four Hearts, or How to Derail Life
What other impressions did “Secret Attraction” leave? The reviews of those viewers who did not like her, called the complication of family-love relations the main intrigue, which initially really wanted to look at. At some point, there is a reluctance to empathize further with the heroes, since they themselves drove themselves into a narrow framework.
The sea, the sun, picturesque beauties and endless sand - a small world in which the four characters settled themselves. They do not want (maybe they are afraid?) To become a part of something bigger, believing that the rest of their lives can be spent here. Constancy gives rise to boredom, and then - an inevitable desire to be in the arms of others. And since there is no one around, these “hugs” are those whom you have known for many years. At the same time, each of the four shows indecision, selfishness and narcissism, often following instincts rather than consistent decisions related to their own future. Certainly, for many viewers, a “Secret Attraction” will be a good opportunity to reflect on themselves.
Love Quartet Actors
With the same perception of the leading actors, I do not want to single out someone from them separately. According to critics, each of the actors did an excellent job. Zawier Samuel and James Freshville, who have already managed to show themselves in other paintings, are handsome athletes, delighting spectators with constantly naked torsos. But Naomi Watts and Robin Wright, the leading dramatic actresses of the dreamland, did not take full advantage of their talent. Why? Yes, it just wasn’t required! To a greater extent, they created an artificial image with monotonous actions and actions. In their heroines there is no true love, and in certain episodes, secret intent and personal calculation are clearly manifested. In this case, is it worth talking about the seriousness of the relationship? No. Exceptionally passion and nothing else.
Doubt watching the Secret Attraction (2013) or should you not waste your time? The choice is yours. But if you want to see how attraction to the forbidden fetus is born, and also to find out if real friends can once return their former friendship, watch this film. Simple dramatic upheavals, coupled with a slight eroticism will make you plunge into a sea of ​​passions.