Netflix Movie Review: Look Both Ways

Life is unpredictable and full of surprises, and "Look Both Ways" is a film that reminds us of just that. The movie, which premiered on Netflix in 2022, tells the story of Natalie, a young woman who takes a pregnancy test on the night of her college graduation. The film then follows two different parallel realities - one where Natalie stays home to raise her child and the other where she travels to L.A. to pursue her dream job as an animator.

As someone who loves feel-good movies, I added "Look Both Ways" to my watchlist after hearing about its uplifting message. And I must say, the movie did not disappoint. The film offers a unique perspective on the different paths our lives can take and encourages viewers to live their lives to the fullest, no matter what the circumstance may be.

Lili Reinhart delivers an outstanding performance as Natalie, playing both versions of her character with a sense of optimism and determination. Despite facing different challenges in both scenarios, Natalie's unwavering spirit and willingness to put her life on hold to raise a family is truly inspiring. Her character reminds us that we can achieve our goals, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in.

While the film's focus on Natalie's love life is well-intentioned, it does take away from other significant aspects of the story. For instance, the friendship between Natalie and Cara, played by Aisha Dee, could have been explored more, giving more depth to the overall narrative. The film's supporting cast, which includes Andrea Savage and Luke Wilson as Natalie's parents, also delivers noteworthy performances.

One issue with the film is that it can be confusing at times to follow which reality we are currently in. While Natalie's short hair signifies her motherhood storyline, it can still be challenging to keep track of the different timelines. A more defined distinction between the realities would have been helpful, perhaps using different lighting effects.

Nevertheless, "Look Both Ways" is a movie that will make you think and leaves a lasting impact. Director Wanuri Kahiu's creative storytelling and use of animation sequences make for an engaging and visually captivating experience. The film's uplifting message of following your dreams, no matter the obstacle, is one that we can all relate to.

Overall, "Look Both Ways" is an inspiring and heartfelt film that does not shy away from exploring the different paths life can take. It's a reminder that no matter what happens, we can find a way to navigate through it all. If you're looking for a movie that will leave you feeling motivated and inspired, "Look Both Ways" is one you don't want to miss. Catch it on Netflix today!

Look Both Ways is a recent addition to the Netflix library, having premiered in 2022. The film follows the story of Natalie, who takes a pregnancy test on the night of her college graduation. In one reality, she becomes pregnant and decides to stay home and raise her child, while in the other, she heads to Los Angeles to pursue her dream job as an animator.

I was intrigued by Look Both Ways because of the buzz surrounding its uplifting message. As a fan of feel-good movies, I had high hopes for this unique take on the parallel realities of a young woman's life. The film does an excellent job of highlighting the uncertainty that comes with life and the importance of making the most of every moment.

Lili Reinhart delivers an outstanding performance as Natalie, who must navigate both scenarios of her life. She embodies an optimistic and determined attitude, even when putting her aspirations on hold to raise a family. Although I didn't always agree with some of her choices, such as when she turned to her boss for advice on finding her voice, Natalie's character provides a valuable lesson on resilience and overcoming obstacles.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with strong performances from Andrea Savage and Luke Wilson, who play Natalie's parents. While Wilson's acting often veers between goofy and serious, both actors bring a supportive and humbling energy to their roles.

One character that I wish the film had given more focus on is Cara, played by Aisha Dee. The film spends too much time exploring Natalie's love life with both Gabe, played by Danny Ramirez, and Jake, played by David Corenswet. In my opinion, Look Both Ways would have benefited from centering more on the friendship between Natalie and Cara. Their dynamic could have added greater depth to the story, and it would have been refreshing to see more of their relationship.

One of the film's main drawbacks is the confusion that arises from juggling two parallel scenarios with one person. While the film attempts to differentiate the timelines by changing Natalie's hairstyle, this strategy is not always effective. Filmmakers could have used lighting effects or other techniques to better distinguish between the two realities.

Despite this minor issue, Look Both Ways is a heartwarming and inspiring film. Director Wanuri Kahiu does an excellent job of delving into the story and narrating it in two distinct paths. Fans of animation will enjoy the segments that showcase a career as an animator, which add an extra layer of intrigue and creativity to the film.

Moreover, Look Both Ways does not succumb to negative stereotypes about pregnancy, as some other films might. The movie takes an honest and refreshing approach to the topic and shows that life is unpredictable, and plans can change. The lighting in the film gradually grows brighter as Natalie raises her daughter, further emphasizing the film's uplifting message.

In conclusion, Look Both Ways is a must-watch for anyone looking for an uplifting and thought-provoking film. It teaches us to consider all alternatives in life, both positive and negative, and to keep doing what we love and follow our dreams. You can find this heartfelt film on Netflix and enjoy it from the comfort of your own home.