Author Joanna (Keira Knightley) and her husband, Michael (Sam Worthington) have reached the point in their marriage which might be called a valley. Yes, they love each other but aren't connecting very well. Michael, who often travels on business, attends a company party with Joanna. It is there that Joanna spies a co-worker, Laura (Eva Mendes) who is strikingly beautiful. To complicate things more, Joanna learns she is often sent on biz trips as an adjunct to Michael. Also, something in her gazes at Michael spell trouble. As one might guess, green eyes of jealousy take hold. Once at home, Joanna tries to berate Michael for never telling her about this woman. He shrugs it off and swears he is not the cheating kind. But, essentially, Joanna is correct, for Michael does harbor some lust for Laura and visa versa. Meanwhile, a couple of days later, Joanna runs into an old flame herself. He is Alex (Guillaume Canet), a French writer who once captured her complete attention for a very brief spell. Alas, he broke it off and Joanna was stricken but changed directions, thinking it was over. Now, Alex makes romantic gestures toward Joanna and she is torn. Wasn't it just a matter of hours ago that she suspected Michael of some emotional betrayal? What will happen to these four folks? This very observant, interesting but quiet film explores infidelity between two seemingly committed marriage partners. What does it take for thoughts of adultery to start and grow stronger? Does it mean that the love between the wedded ones doesn't exist or is it just a case of physical attraction? This movie tries to answer these queries. The cast is great, for surely Knightly is one fine actress who also has the face of Helen of Troy. Mendes, too, is a sultry stunner while Worthington and the Patrick Dempsey-twin Canet are attractive, talented men as well. The scenery in and around SoHo is nice while costumes, photography, screenplay and a careful, non-traditional direction, at times, completes this winning flick. Last night has already passed, of course, but find this one for a future night very soon.
Review of Last Night
Last Night
(I) (2010)
An exploration of marital infidelity, very thoughtful and interesting
8 November 2012