John O
Spoilers: This is an acting class by a couple with a zillion acting award nominations and wins, Rachel, who has an Oscar, and Michael, nominated for two. It's almost a conicidence on her Oscar, as she was the flit about, the where did she go, and Ralph Fiennes was the constant gardener, there like Gibraltar. She quit then and now, being 10 remakes of herself here -- do, then quit, remake, then do. She couldn't find that sweet spot, where she wanted to stay. Is it as simple as she did what she liked doing until she didn't like doing it again and again? So it was her feeling of seeking comfort, ease, pleasure in a constant way, and failing at it. The meet cute here was really a remeet, but both were too cautious to spill the beans of their old friendship up front due to those pesky commitments and such, at his birthday party that she wangled a way into on a date by attracting his work mate. Michael, too, was unsatisfied with what he was doing for many years at work, and had a wife who was heading for school out of state, and he didn't know what to do, since his work was in this city. For a second toward the end when Rachel said does he want to come with her, I thought he might actually go. But she was on to a new adventure with a new ID and a new job and all. And when they finally hugged, she more emotional about it -- she had come to town just to grab him back after their youthful relationship of 15 years ago -- his face told us he had to get out of the hug and away from her. Good move, Michael, as she should not be relied, counted or depended on, as she was a big-time quitter when the going got rough. He, like a constant gardener, went back to the wife to work out details of him and her and her schooling but would stay together. What do we make of the Rachel character? Personality disorder? Mental illness? Too bent on satisfaction to soldier through the rough times in anything? This is a slice of life piece, and really raises the question of what should we be doing and when, if ever, should we quit? Who among us adults has not felt that? This is a niche piece, an implausible story, maybe a little like Bill Murray in 2005's "Broken Flowers" when he went to visit old girlfriends, looking for something. Same as Rachel seeking out Michael here. He was apparently the best she had had it, and it made sense for her to try with him again. But while some mutual attraction lived on, it was too late. A committed guy and a quitter of a gal don't go together here, which made sense.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
07/31/23
Full Review
Sheri L
I read a review that summed this movie up perfectly: The most interestingly boring movie ever. I was intrigued to see where the storyline was going but then the movie just ended. Such a disappointment.
Rated 1.5/5 Stars •
Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars
03/06/23
Full Review
Nezbis A
I really enjoyed this film. The characters were were exceptional, as was the screen play - Sharp, cutting and visceral. Unfortunately intelligent films are in short supply today It saddens me to see it's low ratings and poor box office. Even Amazon rated Complete Unknown much lower than most of their recent offerings. I'd drop them, but sometimes a good one get's through.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
10/22/22
Full Review
Greg
This film starts slow, but with Rachel Weisz in the lead role I was willing to go along for the ride. The movie is interesting because it doesn't fully explain itself. One realizes more and more that things are not being told here, and as the story gradually unfolds the mystery never completely reveals itself. It's a reflective story about identity and possibilities. Many people find a single path and live it, while Rachel Weisz's character explores an infinite number of possibilities. And some may not like the ending, but it makes perfect sense as her story is always beginning. It is a somewhat sad story about wandering, and never finding place, but it is also inspirational because it is about infinite possibilities.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
10/02/22
Full Review
Naomi W
The plot of movie was great until they outlandish made the entire movie about Jenni living under all of her false I identities
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
09/10/22
Full Review
kevin c
At a birthday celebration for a man played by Michael Shannon, he is surprised to see that his coworkers date is a woman he used to have a relationship with until she disappeared one day. Rachel Weisz plays the mysterious woman who is adept at the art of deceit.
Interesting story that doesn't necessarily payoff as much as you'd hope, but made more compelling by the fantastic acting of the leads.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
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