Love You Forever

Having garnered many awards across the USA and Europe, Love You Forever is not for the faint of heart. Writer/Director and Star of the piece Alexandrea Meyer tackles themes of motherhood, trauma and grief head-on in this bold tale that follows a mother, Shannon, who attempts to continue about her daily routine while continuing to conceal an unknown invisible pain…

In the opening moments, two glaringly contrasting settings are intercut together. The glaring comparison shown between the recorded footage sequence, which utilises a somewhat dreamlike quality, and the harsh unglamorous reality of the modern day setting immediately captures the audience’s attention. Jarringly cutting to scenes of the baby crying and our protagonist assembling a baby’s chair, the contrast is instantly effective in putting the viewer into Shannon’s uneasy headspace.

The tone of the film is what can only be described as a ‘mundane horror’ in which the eeriness of Shannon’s routine incites an uncomfortable anticipation, though just what that builds to is only made clear in the final few minutes of runtime, in a twist that is shocking and gasp-worthy whilst at the same time feeling desperately inevitable.

There are many commendations owed to the wickedly talented cast/ crew of this project, chief among them belonging to Meyer’s contemplative, slow, yet striking storytelling. Not a lot of directors would be comfortable using up a whole minute and a half of runtime on the main character sitting on the stairs eating from a jar, or allowing the camera to linger on the protagonist in an extended shot of them in the bath… But Meyer, assured in the direction and tone of the story, does exactly that, lending to the uncanny effect the film has set out to achieve. There is also some really gorgeous cinematography from Olivia Kimmel, backed up with beautiful colouring by Elodie Ichter. Final plaudits however, must go to Meyer’s masterful execution of the central role, turning in a subtle, considered, and heartbreaking depiction of grief.

Ultimately Love You Forever is a devastating tale of a bereaved mother who is struggling to come to terms with her reality. With such a heavy subject matter, Meyer and her team navigate this tricky discussion with sensitivity, delicateness and compassion – creating a viewing experience that is sure to stick in the hearts and minds of all who see it. Simply impeccable work on display.