Through Night and Day: Movie Review

"Through Night and Day" was an uneven experience. The first half was an excruciating experience as the two protagonists were poorly-written characters that we just couldn't like or show empathy to. The second half offered a more dramatic experience that salvages the film from completely becoming a waste of time.

Neighbors Ben (Paolo Contis) and Jen (Alessandra de Rossi) has been in a steady relationship for years. After Ben proposes to Jen, the two take their very first trip together to Iceland. There is a belief that traveling can test a couple's relationship and this trip is no exception as Ben and Jen get a very harsh reality check that they actually barely know each other's personalities.

There's something about the writing of "Through Night and Day" that just doesn't click. There's this feeling that certain elements of the story, script, and characterization were forced to conform and to setup its surprise twist. The biggest gripe we had for the film was how it treated its two main leads of Ben and Jen. These were characters who you actually rooted for to break-up. And not because it serves the overall narrative but the script made sure that their years-long relationship comes out to be shallow and ultimately, undeserving. Don't get us wrong, acting-wise, both Paolo Contis and Alessandra de Rossi had outstanding and authentic performances which was unfortunate. The film eventually finds its footing in its second half as it shifts its tone and became a very emotional and dramatic experience. If there's really one positive for "Through Night and Day" it would be its amazing cinematography, production, and visuals. But here's the thing, while "Through Night and Day" may make you cry, it doesn't mean it's a great film. While it hits an emotional peak near its end, the journey to get there was not worth it.

Rating: 2 reels





Why you should watch it:
- the acting of both leads were outstanding
- the cinematography captures the beauty and wonder of Iceland perfectly

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- the characters are badly-written
- the story was not so great