Is Best Friends, Better Lovers Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2020, Best Friends, Better Lovers represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama, Romance category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Childhood best friends Sarah and Ted make a huge move to Los Angeles to jerk them out of a mundane, small-town lifestyle. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Romance are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Childhood best friends Sarah and Ted make a huge move to Los Angeles to jerk them out of a mundane, small-town lifestyle. Enjoying their first moments in a swanky new LA apartment, the happy friends are interrupted when sexy goth neighbor, Angie, welcomes them with an invite to a kinky house party. It's clear that Angie has her eye on the innocent but intrigued Sarah, causing some serious tension between the two friends. Jealous of Angie and put off by the wildness of the kink-scene, Ted abandons the party and attempts to seek comfort in a cute blonde starlet in his acting class while Sarah entertains the idea of experimenting with bisexual Angie. But will Sarah and Ted continue to act out and grow apart, or will this move to a new city cause these best friends to realize that perhaps they've wanted each other all along?"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Audiences are treated to a masterclass in acting by Eliza Ibarra, whose portrayal of the protagonist is imbued with a depth and vulnerability that is rare in contemporary Drama. The chemistry with the supporting players is palpable, creating a gravity that pulls the viewer into the screen.

The direction by Holly Randall is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 114 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Best Friends, Better Lovers truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, Romance, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 9/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Best Friends, Better Lovers explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Holly Randall respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Best Friends, Better Lovers is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Eliza Ibarra or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Best Friends, Better Lovers is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.