A Review of the Netflix Film, "Look Both Ways"

Life has a way of unfolding in unexpected ways, and sometimes it can be hard to know what the future holds. The film "Look Both Ways," which premiered on Netflix in 2022, explores this idea in a unique and captivating way. The film follows the parallel realities of a young woman named Natalie on the night of her college graduation as she takes a pregnancy test. In one reality, she decides to start a family and remain at home, while in the other she travels to Los Angeles to pursue her dream job as an animator.

The film has received praise for its feel-good message, which makes it a perfect choice for those who enjoy feel-good movies. It offers a refreshing take on showcasing the different paths a young woman's life can take, highlighting the idea that nobody ever knows what the future holds. Despite the unknowns, the message of the film is to live your best life, no matter what life's plan may be.

Lili Reinhart does a fantastic job as Natalie, portraying both lives with equal optimism and depth. The film showcases Natalie's journey as she decides between two paths and helps viewers understand that it's possible to achieve your goals, no matter the circumstances. Despite her choices sometimes being controversial, such as when she asks her boss for help finding her voice, Natalie remains relatable and inspiring.

While all the characters in the film are supportive, one character who could have had more screen time was Cara, played by Aisha Dee. The film focuses heavily on Natalie's love life in both scenarios, with Gabe and Jake, played by Danny Ramirez and David Corenswet, respectively. However, the friendship between Natalie and Cara had a significant impact on the story and would have added more depth to the film if it had been explored further.

Another aspect of the film that could have been improved was the way the alternate realities were defined. To differentiate between the two scenarios, the filmmakers used Natalie's hairstyle, with her hair being cut short for the motherhood storyline and kept long for the Los Angeles storyline. However, this wasn't always a clear indicator, as Natalie's hair was later cut in the Los Angeles scenes, causing confusion for some viewers. To avoid distracting viewers, the filmmakers could have decided on one hairstyle or used other techniques, such as lighting effects, to differentiate the timelines.

Another interesting idea raised by the film is the concept of exploring alternative realities with a different character. While the film effectively demonstrates what would happen to Natalie in these alternative realities, one can't help but wonder what would happen if the same scenarios played out with a different character, such as Cara.

Director Wanuri Kahiu takes a creative approach to the story, narrating it in two distinct paths. Fans of animation will love the segments featuring Natalie's career as an animator, and the film overall is a touching and uplifting story that will make you think.

The film's portrayal of pregnancy is also noteworthy, as it doesn't take a negative approach like many films tend to do. Instead, it showcases the reality that life happens and plans change, and gradually the lighting grows brighter as Natalie raises her daughter.

If you are feeling uncertain about the future, the film offers the message that everything will be okay. It's important to always consider all the alternatives in life, both positive and negative, and keep doing what you love and following your dreams.

In conclusion, "Look Both Ways" is a heartfelt and inspiring film that offers a unique perspective on life's unexpected turns. Whether you're a fan of feel-good movies, animation, or just want to watch something uplifting, this film is definitely worth checking out on Netflix.