Name: Look Both Ways
Genre: Romance, Drama, Comedy
Released: 2022-08-16T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Lili Reinhart, Danny Ramirez, David Corenswet, Aisha Dee, Andrea Savage

The moment Natalie Bennett (Lili Reinhart) peels back the stick of her pregnancy test, Wanuri Kahiu’s Look Both Ways splits open like a cracked mirror. One side shows her life continuing as expected—graduation, career, love with Jake (David Corenswet). The other plunges her into unexpected motherhood with Gabe (Danny Ramirez). This structural gambit, a high-concept premise that could easily veer into gimmickry, is the film’s boldest choice and its most divisive element. Kahiu, best known for the vibrant Rafiki, brings a keen eye for detail to both timelines, but can she navigate the treacherous waters of parallel narratives without losing sight of emotional authenticity?

The film’s opening sequence is a masterclass in visual storytelling. As Natalie walks through the bustling streets of Los Angeles, the camera lingers on her face, capturing every flicker of anxiety and hope. The city itself becomes a character, its neon lights reflecting off rain-slicked pavement, mirroring the duality of Natalie’s predicament. This attention to detail extends to the film’s production design, where every apartment, diner booth, and hospital room feels lived-in and authentic.

Reinhart, known for her role in Riverdale, delivers a performance that anchors both versions of Natalie with nuance. In one timeline, she’s a woman carving out her career as a journalist, navigating the cutthroat world of media with Jake by her side. Reinhart’s portrayal of this Natalie is marked by quiet determination and a steely resolve that feels earned. The scene where she lands her first major interview is a standout, showcasing Reinhart’s ability to convey both professional pride and personal vulnerability.

In the other timeline, Natalie becomes a single mother, struggling to balance the demands of parenthood with her own aspirations. Reinhart’s performance here is raw and unfiltered, particularly in a heart-wrenching scene where she breaks down after a particularly grueling day. The way she cradles her baby, her eyes welling up with tears, is a moment of pure emotional truth that elevates the film beyond its high-concept premise.

Danny Ramirez, as Gabe, the father of Natalie’s child in one timeline, brings a warmth and authenticity to his role. His chemistry with Reinhart is palpable, particularly in their late-night diner scenes where they debate the future over coffee. However, his character sometimes feels underdeveloped, reduced to a plot device rather than a fully realized person.

David Corenswet, as Jake, Natalie’s boyfriend in the other timeline, delivers a performance that is polished but lacks depth. His character is charming and supportive, but his motivations and emotional arc feel somewhat superficial. This is particularly evident in a scene where he proposes to Natalie—while the moment is beautifully shot, with soft lighting and a tender embrace, it lacks the emotional weight to make it truly resonant.

The supporting cast, however, shines brightly. Andrea Savage, as Tina Bennett, Natalie’s mother, brings a mix of humor and warmth to her role. Her scenes with Reinhart are some of the film’s most engaging, particularly a heartfelt conversation where she offers maternal advice that feels both practical and deeply emotional. Nia Long, as Lucy Galloway, Natalie’s mentor, delivers a performance that is both supportive and challenging, adding another layer of complexity to Natalie’s journey.

Kahiu’s direction is assured, but the film’s pacing occasionally falters. The split-screen technique, while visually striking, sometimes feels forced, particularly in scenes where the two timelines don’t have a clear narrative connection. This tonal whiplash is most evident in a sequence where Natalie’s graduation is juxtaposed with her giving birth—while the visual contrast is undeniably powerful, the emotional impact is diluted by the rapid cuts and lack of clarity.

The film’s originality is undeniable, and its exploration of choice, destiny, and the ripple effects of life-altering decisions is thought-provoking. However, it occasionally feels like a series of vignettes rather than a cohesive narrative. The genre fit is solid—romance, drama, and comedy blend well—but the execution could be tighter.

Look Both Ways is a film that asks big questions but doesn’t always stick the landing. While its high-concept premise and strong performances make it a compelling watch, its structural ambition sometimes overshadows its emotional core.