Somebody I Used to Know is a 2020 indie drama directed by Nadia Bedzhanova and written by Julia Kennelly. The film tells the story of a woman named Abigail who returns to her hometown to confront the demons of her past and reconnect with an old flame.
The film begins with Abigail, played by Westworld’s Jenna Stern, returning to her hometown of Sacramento, California after spending years living in New York. She is haunted by memories of her past, particularly her tumultuous relationship with a man named Ben, played by Jim Parrack.
As Abigail struggles to come to terms with her past, she reconnects with Ben and tries to rekindle their relationship. But as she delves deeper into her memories, she discovers dark secrets that threaten to tear them apart.
The film is marked by strong performances from its cast, particularly Stern and Parrack, who imbue their characters with a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion. Their chemistry is palpable, and their scenes together are marked by a sense of longing and unresolved tension.
The film’s cinematography is also noteworthy, with a muted color palette and intimate camera work that heightens the sense of intimacy and introspection at the heart of the story. The film’s use of flashbacks and dream sequences, which are seamlessly woven into the narrative, serve to enhance the film’s sense of ambiguity and emotional complexity.
At its core, “Somebody I Used to Know” is a film about the power of memory and the way in which our past can shape our present. It is a deeply personal and introspective work that explores the ways in which our relationships and experiences shape our sense of self, and the difficulty of reconciling the person we were with the person we have become.
The film’s exploration of themes such as regret, nostalgia, and the search for meaning and purpose in life is both poignant and thought-provoking. It serves as a reminder that while we cannot change the past, we can learn from it and use our experiences to shape our future.
Overall, “Somebody I Used to Know” is a powerful and emotionally resonant film that explores the complexity of human relationships and the way in which our past can shape our present. It is a must-see for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and introspective work of cinema that speaks to the human experience.