Before Midnight…Not As Magical As The Rest Of The Trilogy

While the film has its moments, it doesn’t quite capture the magic of the first two installments. As a romantic at heart, I found the film’s cynical take on marriage a bit disheartening. Sure, Linklater, Hawke, and Delpy present some harsh truths about relationships, but that perspective doesn’t represent everyone’s experience. Watching two people, once so madly in love, begin to harbor resentment was painful.

Their conflicts, filled with unspoken emotions and boiling assumptions, are familiar in many marriages, yet they can often be addressed through open communication and honesty. On a positive note, the acting remains stellar, and I truly appreciate the long-form dialogue that the series is known for. One scene that struck me deeply was when an older Greek woman shared her experiences after losing her husband. In that moment, the true essence of love shone through, which I found deeply moving. It’s hard to understand how the younger characters could adopt such a cynical view of love!

Overall, this trilogy is a remarkable exploration of relationships, and it deserves a close watch. If you’ve been holding off on diving into this series like I did, don’t wait any longer, go watch the “Before Trilogy!” Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke, and Julie Delpy have crafted an insightful study of love and connection through the years. I can’t help but wish for just one more installment reflecting the latest years, but it seems unlikely.

“Before Midnight” is available now on VOD.