The movie Look Both Ways is a dramedy that answers the question what if. This is a question many 20 somethings and all of us really have asked ourselves. What if things had gone differently, what if I had gotten the job and moved away? What if I stayed in that relationship or that situation went the other way. In Natalie‘s case, what if she had gotten pregnant. One scenario showing her life after a negative pregnancy test and how she proceeds to graduate, and moves to LA to pursue her career under her five year plan. The other scenario is she moves home to live with her parents as she decides to keep the baby. This Netflix original movie, directed by Wanuri Kahiu from a screenplay written by April Prosser is an hour and 50 minutes of lighthearted fun.
Natalie a 22-year-old recent grad played by Lilli Reinhart. True to real life scenarios, her friend and the father of her baby, Gabe, played by Danny Ramirez is on-screen as dad to the child they have a child together. Natalie‘s best friend Cara, played by the spunky Aisha Dee adds a dynamic duo depth as Natalie’s bestie/partner in crime with the best insight when it comes to advising Natalie in both scenarios. She is a fun supporting character. Natalie’s parents were hilarious and relatable. I’m not saying I’m a parent, but Natalie’s mom, played by Andrea Savage is my spirit animal and Luke Wilson as Natalie’s dad is always enjoyable to watch.
Unlike movies showing time jumps, flashbacks, and foreshadowing, this movie goes back and forth between alternate realities showing the a and b story unfold. The unique time sequence is that in this movie we see right off the bat how two different scenarios play out from beginning to end. This is an enjoyable, easy watch with a fast-paced plot will keep you hooked. Spoiler alert (!) and one of my favorite things about this movie is the ending. I won’t tell you exactly what happens, but I will say that the audience is never told which scenario is Natalie’s truth. In fact, we understand by the end that it really doesn’t matter and that made for a lovely message about making the most of all the little moments that add up to your life. Watch this for good feels and perspective on your own “what ifs.” Lili Reinhart is charming in a cute and sweet All-American Girl kind of way. This is not supposed to be a comparison of actresses by any means, however, does anyone does anyone else think that Lili looks so much like the late Brittany Murphy? Resemblance-wise, she reminds me of Brittany Murphy!
I have to say the characters and actors that really stood out to me were Natalie‘s parents played by Andrea Savage and Luke Wilson. The duo added a wholesome comedic take on what it means to be a supportive yet tough love parents when their responsible and academically motivated daughter becomes pregnant unexpectedly. It was fun watching how they lovingly and comically navigated supported their daughter. Another shout out to Aisha Dee for her role as Cara. She always adds a delightful ease to the characters she plays, and I love to see it! Last but not least, Natalie‘s love interest and eye candy David Corenswet. His beard was not the only dishy thing about him. I rate this movie 8 out of 10, Sure, it’s predictable but that’s not why we watch. I hope you enjoy walking down the different forks in the road with Natalie and reflecting on the choices that make our lives ours.
