Adore was titled Two Mothers when it premiered at Sundance earlier this year and I can’t say it seemed as if those that saw it were enamored with it. Ultimately it landed in the hands of Exclusive Media, which will release it on September 6, but after watching this first trailer for the film I can’t say I feel the need to rush out and see it.
Naomi Watts and Robin Wright deliver riveting performances in ADORE, a sensual and provocative drama about two lifelong friends who find unexpected happiness in relationships that cross the bounds of convention. An unpredictable tale of misguided love and a heartfelt celebration of the enduring nature of female friendship, ADORE is the English-speaking directorial debut of Anne Fontaine. Set in an Australian seaside town, ADORE establishes an aura of fable as it follows two women’s plunge into uncharted waters. Watts and Wright fearlessly engage with the physical and psychological components of the story, capturing the complex emotions and powerful desires driving their characters. Strong performances from Xavier Samuel and James Frecheville complement Watts and Wright. ADORE radiates with intoxicating sensuality while exploring the intricacies of love, family, morality and passion.
It’s the moment in the trailer where Wright says, “What have we done?” that I couldn’t help but cringe a little. Obviously this scene could come at any moment in the film and I’m merely speaking on my many years of film watching expectations when I say this, but I expect it comes at a moment after the climactic events of the film play out and the two are reflecting on what has happened. Perhaps one of the sons ends up dying in a tragic accident or their once friendship is now irreparable, but either way it’s a scene that NEVER happens in real life and lands with a dull thud.
Maybe I’m wrong. The fact it’s written by Christopher Hampton (Dangerous Liaisons, Atonement) can’t be a bad thing, but like I said, I just don’t feel anything pulling me to the theater to see this. How about you?
