Newness (2017) User Reviews (81)

I wanted to like it. I really did

[constanza-nm · 5/10 · 11 February 2018]

I'm at some level upset with this film and I need to express those feelings. I'm a huge fan of Like Crazy, it's been years and it remains as one of my favorite films. It really made an impression on me, particularly the ending. It was beautifully shot. The music, the cinematography, the acting. And that is exactly why I can say Newness would not become in one of my favorites. The final scene is unfortunate. It really takes away all the impact of the film. And is sad, and upsetting because it could have been way greater. It's an interesting and appealing story, with great and realistic performances, but the execution somehow is off at that particular moment. The end. Something so important in any movie.

This is a story about modern love and passion. The dating app plays a role, of course, but I think is more about the disconnection that we have with one another. They don't know each other, neither really bother to do it. We could say that's a consequence of meeting trough a dating app, but is it really? Datings apps, meeting people online, going on dates with strangers maybe is the response to not wanting to share and invest quality time with others, not the result. They move fast, they don't really think about it. It's a reflection of the fear of being lonely and the incompatibility of commitment. More important I think is a great example of the lack of honesty, not just to each other, but to themselves. The lack of a sincere connection and true intimacy. I was excited by this. It seems so real, so relatable at some level. But it failed to impress me because the ending doesn't make any sense. I like them both, however, there wasn't anything in this story that made me believe that they truly belong together, quite the opposite. It's not that they are wrong for each other, it's that they shouldn't be part of something that they don't even understand. It's just another cliché. It strips away all the unsurfaced meaning of it.

The digital age and monogamy

[carolinalarsencinema · 5/10 · 22 February 2018]

In the hands of Drake Doremus; American director of the indie circuit, Newness, is presented as a loose successor of Like Crazy (2011), in an attempt to portray in the most realistic way possible, the complexity of interpersonal relationships in the digital era, where social networks and Dating applications have set up a new way to meet people and establish links.

Nicholas Hoult stars as Martin Hallock, a young man who leaves halfway his university career to work as a pharmacist, and who, after the failure of his marriage, decides to seek new relationships without compromise in dating applications. It is there where after a failed meeting, he meets Gabi Silva -interpreted by Laia Costa-, a Spanish therapist, with whom he will establish a connection that will make them consider stable relationships and monogamy again.

Soon the couple is stifled by the complexity of the bond; issues such as infidelity and desire for the others are put into play. Although he is not very convinced, Martin decides to accept the proposal of Gabi, and go with her in the exploration of new alternatives. Establishing a communion of "open relationship", based on communication and honesty, where sex is presented as an escape route to commitment, to real involvement with the other. New ways of feeling and perceiving push the couple to develop small breaks internally and in relation to the other, which forces them to reflect on their personal desires, past determinations are reflected in the present, life projects and own decisions, generating a tense and chaotic panorama.

The film navigates the anxiety and intensity of the now, the superficiality of contemporary links and the mediation of communication through technological instruments. It raises the classical dilemma between casual relationships and stable bonds, between freedom and the oppression of the individual, love and sex. Forcing the viewer to question their own existence and their links. However, the tape remains halfway, unable to capture its objective correctly, losing its essence after 40 minutes, its "newness", resulting extremely boring and predictable.

emotional but also slow

[sheepish-wolves · 5/10 · 24 November 2018]

I'm torn about this movie. You feel a connection to these characters, you feel their passion, pain and frustration and the film does a great job in the emotion department however, at times it moves frustratingly slowly, the camera angle/frame/whatever is suffocatingly close and personal. The main characters are a real mess and seem to just play with each others emotions. I really don't want to believe humans can be this selfish and self-serving but who knows, maybe I'm sheltered and this is real life.

The title does not reflect what the film is really about

[Gordon-11 · 21 February 2018]

This film tells the story of a man and a woman, who use dating apps to meet others for fun with no strings attached.

That's the first ten minutes of the plot anyway. It appears that they constantly want newness in their love and sex lives. Yet, the story soon develops to another direction. It is clear that one of them is stuck in the past, while the other wants something but would not admit it. It is a brilliant portrayal of modern relationships. It even explores honesty to self and others. In addition, the lighting and the sets are consistently remarkable. Though the film is a little slow at times, it is still worth a watch.

It's a bit more than ok.

[cybevz · 6/10 · 9 October 2018]

I just saw it. In fact, I like it a lot, the camera has this frames very close to the character, somethig that we aren't used to in real life, so that makes me think of a solitary and individual person and society. I like this camera language 'cause it goes hand in hand with the movie plot. The looks and the camera movements make me feel like its something natural, like real life. The sound design has a few parts with an exclusion that I found magical, it goes with the tone of the movie, although I would have love to have a little bit more from the ambient. They used the silence so good I really enjoyed to have those quiet moments, where I felt everything that was happening in scene. Montage, what could I say, I went nuts with the first sequence. (Maybe nuts its a bit extreme, but you have me). Its something to appreciate in the whole film. Direction, I could almost listen to the director voice in some parts, I´m not sure if that´s something bad, but I liked it, it helped to feel the moments. I´ve found the acting good enough to reflect real life in some parts, in another I found them a bit forced and overacted, but I think that´s part of the essence of the script, and they were necesary to the story keep going. The script was really good, firstable it´s about something real, something that many of us have been trough, or thinking of it like and option (at least we have doubts about it) and in this time is the "new black", so its pretty modern. Secondable, from my view I think the characters are the most natural and related to real life, how an actual person would react in front of some situations. Cause lets be honest here, we all are possessive when it comes to a partner that we care of.

I really liked it! Hope you enjoy it! I might be the worst to trust. (Let mi know if not) Sorry fot the bad english :/

Strong message

[PaxtonMalloy · 7/10 · 13 September 2019]

I almost made the mistake of switching the movie off 15 minutes in. Thankfully I didn't. Laia Costa in a very emotional scene captivated me as she did for the whole movie and the story finally really began. Even though we get obvious unsubtle punches against facebook and tinder it is not really about these technologies because they are just that. They don't force us to do anything. It is about generation "swipe left if you are bored". It is about running away from conflict thus running away from real relationships. Relationships are messy. They always have been always will be. But what makes them deep the work you put in. The best quote of the movie nails it: "love is two people not giving up on each other" as I didn't give up on this movie 15 minutes in being rewarded at the end.

At least the first half really works ...

[rdoyle29 · 7/10 · 21 August 2022]

Nicholas Hoult and Laia Costa are very attractive young people compulsively using a dating app and having several minute stands. They match one night ... after each had already had a previously unsuccessful hook-up ... and meet for drinks, but hit it off so well that they don't just immediately have sex. Soon they are in a committed relationship, but familiarity creeps in and they conveniently cheat on each other on the same night. They realize that while they really do love each other, they are also really drawn to the rush of new relationships, so they decide to try an open relationship. Each is allowed to pursue other people as long as they are completely honest with each other?

So ... do you think that works out well for them?

This movie has some things going for it. Hoult and Costa are really quite good ... Costa especially ... and neither will disappoint in the film's numerous and quite explicit sex scenes. The style, impressionistic with very close, hand-held jittery cam, makes the early sequences pretty exciting, and the film goes quite some way towards recreating the rush of physical attraction and first love.

This relationship is not very interesting though. The really quite charming actors are not given characters that ever have much of interest to say, so it's tough to invest much in their relationship. Once the open relationship starts going south and Danny Huston enters the film, you're almost routing for the Huston/Costa pairing to prevail since he's actually given decent things to say. The film reaches a conclusion, but it's not a very compelling one since you don't really care about this couple and the issues that drove them into an open relationship are never really resolved anyway.

Awful people doing selfish things

[jellopuke · 4/10 · 18 February 2020]

There are many montages in this movie to move things along, all with soothing piano music that therefore must be touching and sweet, but in actuality, these characters are so one dimensional, selfish, and unlikeable that you end up not caring if they end up together. I get that it's trying to be a look at millennial dating, but there's literally nothing beyond the "sex" level here. No interesting conversations, no intelligent dialogue, nothing beyond just sex. I would say it was a let down, but I had no expectations, so it was ok-ish.

Our emotions, as humans, shown in an exceptional way

[charlotte_v_dijk · 9/10 · 6 November 2017]

This movie, to me, is not about how they meet, go through life or the open relationship. It is about that moment we always look for, the instant chemistry, which makes us euphoric and therefore happy. That bubble that everything is oke, everything is in line and I love somebody and that person loves me back in that moment.

The way this movie is shot, the high level of acting, it is as if you are watching your own life in some way. I think everybody can take moments from it and see what moments happen in their own life and how they react.

It is not intended as a movie to learn from, but just to hold a mirror up. It is not good or bad, just how we walk through life. To me, it is a good thing to keep realizing it.

If I had to pick one thing that stout out, I would say; that moment the bubble bursts. When you start to talk to each other and learn more about their way of thinking. At that point you are going to hear something you don't like and in an instant, your face changes and you need to deal with that emotion. That's when the euphoria stops and you try to get it back.

This review shows that this movie won't be for everybody, but watch past the first 10 minutes and get taken away by the emotions and reflect on yourself.

For Anton

[Mercified · 7/10 · 16 December 2017]

There doesn't seem to be any moments that show a real connection between them that would solidify a base foundation for the infidelities and emotional insecurities that threaten their relationship. This, in turn, makes the film feel a bit trepidatious in making its ultimate point. All this can be rationalized as "real life," but the longer the film plays and the further each emotionally drift from each other, it feels like we want to see these characters fight to be with each other rather than let personally manufactured insecurities let the story peter out.

Yet for these few dips, Newness sees Doremus further developing his directorial storytelling abilities while also showing what he can do better than most of his peers - tell a romantic story that feels so electric, alive, and which captures modern love in all of its beautiful and messy form. Newness is dedicated to the late Anton Yelchin, star of Doremus' Like Crazy, simply put: "To Anton, Into the Jungle."

The life and tribulations of a promiscuous girl.

[jleon25 · 2/10 · 26 January 2019]

For the 1st ten minutes it follows the story line of these millennials with their hooking up apps. Once they become a couple, they or SHE starts to get bored. They both end up cheating on each other. They both face up to what they did and decide to try a few things different.

They decide to be totally honest with each other and to spice up their relationship with just flirting with others and then go home to jump on each other. So far, so good. Then after the female lead decides to have a 3-some with adding another female but she excludes any of his or her friends, it all goes to down hill. They decide to go on an open relationship but to me it looks as if only she goes out and bangs other guys while he stays home to wait for all the juicy details to have sex.

She starts to break the rules when she starts to see an elderly gift bearing gentleman on a regular basis. She not only breaks the "no friend rule" but also accepts a gift and keeps it a secret from her guy.

What do you think happens next? They break up. Since she moved in her boyfriend's apartment, she moves out and moves in with the old guy. After spending a few days, maybe weeks, with the old guy, she realizes she is just there to be a receptacle for him and to be a nanny for his young daughter.

She ends up running back to her man and he takes her back with the promise to now, be exclusive

More a feeling than anything else

[nathaliehrivnak · 8/10 · 5 November 2017]

Movies like these don't come along very often. This is my third Doremus film (after Like Crazy and Equals) and while Equals probably remains on the top of my list, Newness comes in at a close second. Newness explores the dangers and thrills of online dating in an urban world, where distractions are easily found and easier to be pursued. In the midst of it all, Martin and Gabriela are trying to find their way as a couple. The movie's appeal comes from its splendid directing and cinematography, which was already outstanding in Equals. The wash of hues, the angles, everything fits like a glove and helps underline the vivid and thrilling nature of the movie's theme. It feels organic, authentic and vigorous, not least due to the unadulterated performances of its main cast - Nicholas Hoult and Laia Costa (who was already brilliant in Vicotria) have chemistry coming up the wazoo, it's almost ridiculous. This movie took me on an emotional roller coaster; it's definitely not for everyone. And it's not a perfect movie by any means. Watching this movie simply felt a bit like falling in love, which - in my book - always seems like a good thing.

GOOD INDIE.

[andrewchristianjr · 7/10 · 8 August 2020]

Good indie movie that puts you inside of an emotional trench and then on the craziest roller coaster of pain with a inkling of hope for the characters development. For a lot of new age people, the events that occur in this film should inspire many to know the right path to choose when it comes to the facets of love and trust.

Boring

[CarlosMendesPereira · 3/10 · 4 April 2019]

Boring, predictable... Predictable, boring... I've read fairytales more exciting and surprising than this!

quite truthful in general but from a male view

[karinkytokangas · 6/10 · 31 May 2019]

I got the feeling this movie wanted to be very truthful, maybe even from someones personal experience? But I got so irritated by the "she only cums with me" talk! As if she would ever say so about when he was with someone? For some reason I feel as if they choosed an old guy so he would be less of a threat. And the girl that he meets at the bar, she is portrait as if she doesnt have any other emotions than flirting? The movie should be real, but as soon he tells about why he has his cloud over his head she leaves. Doesnt feel very real or at least abit boringly written.. and the ex-wife, did they change actor when he met her? (Sorry but it kept me being distracted, dont know if they did). The ending feels like a rip-off of eternal sunshine of the spotless mind (which is absolutely beautiful in that movie!). Also morally boring that "i only want to be with you" is like the most romantic ending to this movie. Not sure what would be the best but it could've had another, less conventional ending. Beautifully cut though! And plus for the honest try to talk about relationships today really. Definitely worth to see even tough my abit harsch critic, it raises questions!

Modern love

[laetitiapayombo · 6/10 · 10 July 2018]

What a Movie! Let's get out of the way, the arty stuff in the editing, it seems a little pretentious and if you're not into indie movie it can be pointless and boring. But I'm into it and the cast is great. Now the movie is really well written and did I say that the cast is great? You feel like you're living this relationship. More than a movie it's a guide in the jungle of modern love.

Rehashing Christian values for the current society

[ersbel · 7 October 2018]

The production team badly wants to bring back the imagined moral values of some desert tribes some 2000 years ago. As the story is only an excuse for the militant statement, the story is rather boring. And the script writing skills are also not too good so the story is slow.

Nice iPhone-era relationship flick

[xNecRosex · 7/10 · 21 April 2018]

Well acted by the young actors, emotions are on point. It's not anything special, but I enjoyed it. Well directed, good lightning. Script could've been better, but still pretty good.

Problematic personalities and lead filthy unethical, meaningless lives

[misel982001 · 1/10 · 14 September 2019]

In this repetitive film we become witnesses of a miserable subculture and its dead ends. The subculture of dating sites ,what kind of people you will get to meet and the problems that one may face if he attempts a relationship. To begin with, the acting is convincing indeed but the characters are so unethical and problematic that tend to be annoying. For a middle aged viewer who is not accustomed with the dating sites and this animal like behavior of such people, this film is a punch under the belt. I have rarely witnessed such miserable lives and disregard for love and emotional bonding. The 20 something characters appear to be something between animals with some level of consciousness who are driven by only a desire for sex with anybody available and who also lead highly problematic lifestyles and lack of personal goals. The story is constantly circulating but it is evident from the first ten minutes of the film that people like that do not deserve any serious attention by others since they are constantly creating or recycling emotional and personal problems. What is completely outraging is that the characters of the film are struggling to find a balance by trying to persuade their partner to accept their miserable lives. It is really sad and I could not watch it. This is one of the worst films I have ever seen, maybe the worst and trust me , I have seen great many films. There is no ethical basis, no coherent storyline and the characters are extremely miserable and unethical.

I created an account here just so I could say 6.4 is not fair to this film

[accazetta · 9/10 · 1 August 2020]

This film isn't for everybody. If you are a millennial, or maybe older but open minded, or if you are just empathic enough, you will understand the feelings this film aims to pass. It's not about the characters promiscuity or dating apps relationships, it's about doubt and excitement and fear of loosing freedom, and that moment when you meet someone new and you are talking, flirting, it's very exciting, you are having a really good time and THEN if you decide to take one step forward, you have to face the baggage that person carries. Past, exes, fears, traumas.

That's something the older generations don't get, because back in time people used to date less and get married sooner. But for millennials, that's very relatable. People have dated other people, some times many other people. People have had sex with other people too. People have met other people's families - I could go on but you all already got it - and we have to deal with it. So that's why not everybody will understand.

I'm young and getting married soon. The story made me think a lot. I'm very sure of my decision on spending the rest of my life with my partner. Even knowing it's going to get boring eventually. Then we will figure it out. I'd never do what the characters do because I have different principles, but I totally understand their feelings.

Now, going back to the film. The actors were convincing. The way it was filmed was also particular. The camera wasn't steady, maybe purposefully to make it look like the videos we're used to see in social medias. Again, very close to younger generations. And about the end, I saw some people saying they don't like it, but this movie isn't about the end, it's about what they went through to get there. I wouldn't change a thing.

In my opinion, 6.4 doesn't do justice to this film, but, again, I can imagine people with different visions about life and relationships watching it and not getting it.

Young love or maybe just Selfish love?

[ronni_meder · 7/10 · 4 July 2019]

I enjoyed this film. I must add that I am over 40 years old and can appreciate this type of film for what it is showing us and the simplicity yet complexity of it. I can relate to this film even though it is based on modern day where we can meet anyone at anytime. The same happened before it was so easy to meet others online. Love could meet us at any time and any place without us knowing it. That is why I raited this film a 7 / 10. I think that all of us can relate to this story. The acting was spot on for the most part and the music and the close ups made you feel the passion surrounding each character.

I think it is worth a watch if you enjoy the journey of human emotions.

Unremarkable, Forgettable, and Too Long

[leftbanker-1 · 5/10 · 2 December 2017]

Let's begin by saying that this was way too long. Why does anyone need this much time to tell so little story? Answer: they don't and this was a huge bore that wasn't resuscitated by the sex scenes. Sex scenes are mostly boring in movies these days and completely superfluous when we are one mouse click away from explicit sexual fantasies that most of us couldn't even think up on a dare.

Almost every shot in the movie was a close up, like a short person trying to film something in a crowd. I felt claustrophobic most of the time. The rest of the time I wanted to push away the characters for invading my personal space. I'd guess that about 70% of the shots didn't even include an entire head. If that is style then count me out.

Emotional roller-coaster

[danmand-36663 · 10/10 · 3 November 2017]

My first review ever. Just finished watching this gem of a movie, and I am blown away. There were so many emotions played out in this movie, it should be impossible not to relate to.

The topic is a coming-of-age story. Two young people in the big city, who want to experience everything. And it seems like everything is available today. And your smartphone just amplifies all the choices you have.

The tone of the movie is slow and somewhat grey all throughout. Camera action and music is slow and deliberate really supporting the heavy emotions. It is not sad though. Just really intense. The movie explores many emotions and experiences, and gives you plenty of time to feel them yourself. Don't want to spoil it, but they get to go through a lot.

The main casting was really good. Actors took their time to get into the roles. Some background stories were told but only when needed. Also plenty of good supporting roles.

It all makes for a very interesting story, and as a viewer you really relate to the characters and what they go through.

It is rare that a movie has the guts and takes the time to deal with so much, and do it so well.

The subjects are bound to cause reflection, so if you watch it with your significant other, be ready to take some time afterwards to reflect and discuss.

I was very impressed 10/10

First Movie To Be Rated

[ljohn-30923 · 7/10 · 16 August 2020]

This is my first movie that I'm rating. It start off not too great. I love the story of this film. It resonates with my ideology with how I personally view relationships. I believe the idea of how relationships are of a certain complexity since it deals with human wants and needs. The idea that monogamy is a challenge holds truth. I am no conservative by any means, but this film quite frankly depicts the modern dating scene in a way that holds some truth of how our generation have conflicting views on dating, sex, relationship, and intimacy. And I think people have to start to realize that everything matters, our decision matters. And it's good to have a moral compass and to learn to put oneself in another's shoes. A true relationship will technically end up a little dry, predictable, and repetitive, however, because it holds a value, and because it holds value, it's uniquely preserved to those who are mature and responsible to themselves and their partners. Lust is normal. Transparency is most aspects is good. The grass may seem greener on the other side as most people have this perception. The truth is, water and love your grass, for they will grow with passion. You will reap what you sow. And that my friend...is the uniqueness of the universe.

P.S. Don't read this if you're a little lazy. I may have been a little too philosophical or drunk(tired).

Great film plot. Loved the ending.

More like a brainwashing agenda

[adimabdellah · 2/10 · 25 April 2022]

Everyone of us love a good story crime action romance ...ect but u really can't put this movie in none of them just bunch of idea put together from no string attached to fwb to swinging lol u gotta love the Hollywood agenda to destroy the society.