REVIEW | Take This Waltz (2011)

So it began on that plane ride home, the spark of interest, that unmistakable chemistry, and the undeniable physical attraction between 28-year-old freelance writer Margot (Academy Award nominee Michelle Williams) and her seatmate, the handsome and brooding stranger, Daniel (Luke Kirby). Sure, Daniel is attractive and very interesting, but Margot's never going to see him again, right? 

Not exactly. Daniel turns out to be Margot's new neighbor in their charming neighborhood in Little Portugal, Toronto-- just a few houses from where Margot and her husband of five years, Lou (Seth Rogen), are residing. And so we wait, with bated breath, if Margot will give in to the temptation.

Written and directed by Sarah Polley, Take This Waltz explores love, desire, marriage and fidelity with such heart and deep understanding that we, for a moment, lose our moralistic judgments; instead, we are pulled into the struggle of Margot and Daniel as they battle with their painful dilemma. Polley, who seems to have mastered the human behavior, as well as the science of love and chemistry, has made use of naturalistic dialogue and subtleties loaded with meaning, which makes Take this Waltz absorbingly believable; will make you forget that you are watching a movie.

Williams, Kirby, and Rogen are perfectly cast in this film and give impressive performances. Williams has great chemistry with Kirby that every scene of them together cackles with tension; and her warm, loving relationship with Rogen is also felt. This is perhaps Williams' most emotional role by far. Although a bit self-conscious, with obvious attempts at being cute in this film, Williams still has managed to bring forth multiple layers of conflicting emotions that she earns our deep sympathy.  Here she is, a complex character in a cozy and extremely playful--almost immature--relationship with her sweet and uncomplicated husband, yet you can strongly sense that her mind is across the street, on Daniel; an irresistible invitation to something new and exciting.  The noticeably slimmed down Rogen is lovable, as always, in this film, and providing comic relief and charm, but it is Canadian actor Luke Kirby who gives the most impressively natural performance in the film that you forget that he's just acting. Comedian Sarah Silverman, as Lou's sister, also gives memorable performance.

Premiered at the 2011 Toronto Film Festival, Take this Waltz is a heartfelt and intelligently written story that will make you fall in love, cry, laugh, and will break your heart. And supported with emotional music, poetic imagery, and wildly eye-candy visuals (think Pinterest images), this movie will stay with you for a long, long time. 

4 out of 5 stars

Watch the trailer: