“Look Both Ways” Review
“Look Both Ways,” is one of the newest Netflix Originals. Resting in the top ten category, “Look Both Ways” is an alternate reality romantic comedy where the main character, Natalie, takes a pregnancy test and suddenly sees where the results would lead her.
Typically I despise rom-coms, however, I believe this is a good film. It’s not great or horrible, but very enjoyable, nonetheless.
This will be a non-spoiler review.
As previously stated, most of the plot revolves around Natalie taking a pregnancy test and seeing where each path would lead her life. The film artistically does an amazing job of using “alternate-reality” to show how such an event could tremendously impact someone’s life, especially a woman in college.
The film’s clever message is often hidden with comedy, which at times does halt the film from its full potential, but it doesn’t negatively impact the rest of the film or its message. The film is by no means original for using the multiverse romance trope, as many hallmark-esque movies do, but it is done well.
The film’s star, Lili Reinhart, was an actor in the controversial CW show “Riverdale.” In this film, she shows versatility and plays her part very well, giving a connection that doesn’t feel forced or cliche. Reinhart showcases talent beyond that of just a television teenage star. When the film switches from each reality, Natalie maintains a barrier between both versions, displaying Reinhart’s understanding of her
Even though it is nothing more than an average film, Reinhart’s performance really does it justice compared to other Netflix originals of the same caliber. Personally, I think the film is a lot better in this respect. Like most Netflix originals, “Look Both Ways” does not push or break boundaries, nor win awards, but I still find it a decent film to watch.
The movie maintains consistency with its plot and character personalities, which is one thing I find Netflix always seems to fail on. The character and plot consistency is most likely due to director Wanuri Kahiu and her past in making more serious or professional films.
The best part of the film is not just the overall message, but the fresh take on its plot devices and its ending. As stated, I won’t spoil the ending, but the film leaves you feeling satisfied, as if the story is complete, rather than a cliffhanger—another common trait of Netflix original films.
In the end, “Look Both Ways” remains a rather average film. I’d give it a rating of five out of ten because I found myself liking it at some points. Coming from a staunch hater of romance films, “Look Both Ways” was objectively good, especially if you’re with your partner or a group that enjoys films like this.