Before Midnight (2013)
Raiting: 
8 /10
Genre: Drama
Director: Richard Linklater
Stars: Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy
Country: United States
Release date: 5 April 2013
Length: 109 minutes
"Before Midnight" is the third film in Richard Linklater's acclaimed "Before" trilogy, following "Before Sunrise" (1995) and "Before Sunset" (2004). This installment revisits the lives of Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy) almost two decades after their first meeting on a train to Vienna. Now in their early forties, the couple is grappling with the complexities of long-term love and the pressures of daily life.
The film opens on the last day of Jesse and Céline's vacation in Greece. Jesse, now a successful author, bids farewell to his teenage son, Hank, who is returning to the United States to live with his mother, Jesse's ex-wife. The parting is bittersweet and sets a reflective tone as Jesse ponders his role as an absent father. Céline, meanwhile, is at a career crossroads, considering a job offer that could significantly impact their family dynamic.
As the couple and their twin daughters spend the day with friends, the conversations touch on art, life, and love, echoing the intellectual discourse that has become a hallmark of their relationship. However, the idyllic setting and philosophical banter belie underlying tensions between Jesse and Céline, which surface as they head to a hotel for a romantic evening alone, a gift from their friends.
At the hotel, what begins as a romantic interlude quickly evolves into a heated argument. The couple confronts their frustrations, fears, and the compromises they've made in their relationship. The raw and honest exchange reveals the strain of balancing individual aspirations with the responsibilities of partnership and parenting.
The film's conclusion is open-ended, leaving Jesse and Céline in a state of uncertainty. Will they reconcile and continue to navigate life together, or have the years and unspoken resentments driven an insurmountable wedge between them? "Before Midnight" is a poignant and realistic portrayal of love's evolution from the passionate, spontaneous connection of youth to the complex, sometimes contentious partnership shaped by the passage of time.
Linklater's nuanced direction and the lead actors' improvised dialogue contribute to the film's authenticity, making "Before Midnight" a fitting continuation of Jesse and Céline's journey. The film is a mature, unflinching look at the beauty and difficulty inherent in long-term relationships, resonating with audiences who have grown up alongside the characters.
Top cast - Before Midnight (2013)
Trailer - Before Midnight (2013)
"Before Midnight", directed by Richard Linklater, is the third and most mature installment in the "Before" trilogy, which explores the evolving relationship between Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy). Set against the picturesque backdrop of Greece, the film delves into the complexities of love, life, and the passage of time, offering a raw and unfiltered look at a couple navigating the challenges of long-term commitment.
What sets "Before Midnight" apart from its predecessors is its unflinching honesty in portraying the realities of a long-term relationship. Jesse and Céline, now in their early forties with twin daughters, are confronted with the pressures of parenting, career choices, and the sacrifices required to maintain their partnership. The film captures the essence of their love story, not shying away from the conflicts and difficult conversations that test their bond.
The performances by Hawke and Delpy are nothing short of remarkable. Their on-screen chemistry, honed over two decades, lends authenticity to their characters' interactions, making every conversation, whether tender or tense, utterly believable. The improvisational style of their dialogue, a hallmark of the series, adds depth to their characters, allowing the audience to feel the weight of their history and the uncertainty of their future.
Linklater's direction is masterful, balancing moments of light-hearted banter with intense emotional exchanges, all while maintaining a naturalistic tone. The picturesque setting of Greece serves as a serene contrast to the turmoil unfolding between Jesse and Céline, emphasizing the isolation they feel despite being surrounded by beauty.
The screenplay, co-written by Linklater, Hawke, and Delpy, is both poignant and insightful, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the inevitable changes that come with time. "Before Midnight" is not just a film about a couple; it's a meditation on the human condition, reflecting on the choices we make and their repercussions on our lives and relationships.
In conclusion, "Before Midnight" is a fitting continuation of Jesse and Céline's journey, offering a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by couples over time. It's a film that resonates deeply, reminding us of the beauty and complexity of love and the importance of communication and compromise in sustaining a relationship. For fans of the trilogy, it's a must-watch, and for newcomers, an invitation to explore the depth of human connections.