Richard Linklater’s third instalment, following Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, in his ongoing character study of American Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and French Céline (Julie Delphie) further explores the relationship between the pair as they now enter their 40s.
Examining in witty acerbic fashion the collision of youthful ideals with the responsibilities of middle-age, including children, gender politics and ageing – this packs a killer emotional punch, easily shifting it to the most heavyweight of the series so far. It’s a tremendously satisfying, meaty and mature film, in the mode of Eric Rohmer, with pitch perfect performances and razor sharp dialogue showcased by Linklater’s stripped-to-the-bone filmmaking.
Written by the director and his two stars, we still have that familiar quick-fire wit and almost panto ‘just kiss her’ narrative drive which characterised the earlier films. But there is something more troubling bubbling away under the surface too. Indeed, while the effortless romanticism of the previous films is still here, it is now infused with an altogether darker tougher edge as life piles up on the couple.
We are given an anatomy of a love affair; warts and all. Because of this, it’s perhaps the most satisfying of this excellent series to-date, which although fiction, clearly mirrors British director Michael Apted’s 7up TV documentary project in its long term approach to capturing these characters lives as they unfold over many years. It’s a treat to see these characters grow in line with our own lives mirroring the same dilemmas facing us all while retaining a hugely enjoyable element of romantic fantasy in the mix.
