Emilia Clarke stars in Drake Doremus' latest film 'Next Life,' which premiered at the Tribeca Festival. The narrative follows Ivy Bettencourt, portrayed by Clarke, as she navigates two parallel realities. The film, described as a 'Sliding Doors'-style exploration, offers Ivy two chances to pursue love and career paths.
Two Paths for Ivy
In one reality, Ivy meets Diego, played by Edgar Ramírez, after spilling coffee on him. Diego is a jazz musician, and their relationship blossoms swiftly. Ivy, once a singer, considers reviving her music career with Diego's encouragement. In this timeline, Ivy is pregnant and moves into Diego's open-plan studio, filled with plants and art.
In the alternate reality, Ivy reconnects with her ex-boyfriend and ex-boss, Noah, portrayed by Jack Farthing, after a grand apology at a christening. She rejoins his company and moves into his sleek apartment. They become engaged and start IVF while bonding over jazz records.
Romantic Drama and Artistic Passion
Critics note that 'Next Life' uses handheld camera work and a score by Dan Romer to evoke intimacy, but the execution feels curated and lacks the mundane details of real relationships. The film attempts to delve into themes of love and artistic passion, contrasting Diego's view of art as a necessity with Noah's more pragmatic approach.
Characterization and Setting
The film is a showcase for its cast. Ramírez exudes rugged charm as Diego, while Farthing's Noah is sweet yet conventional. Clarke's Ivy is engaging, though the characters and settings lack depth. Production designer Elizabeth Mary Moore's sets reveal little about the characters, feeling more like Pinterest-inspired backdrops than lived-in spaces.
Critics' Take
Though 'Next Life' aims to explore universal questions about fate, love, and purpose, it often feels like a thought exercise rather than an emotionally resonant story. The film's lack of specificity in Ivy's passions and relationships leaves it feeling underdeveloped, despite its intriguing premise.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/next-life-review-emilia-clarke-drake-doremus-1236613079/
