Pensioners Nina and Madeleine have hidden their deep and passionate love for many decades, but their bond is put to the test when they are suddenly unable to move freely between each other’s apartments.
Nina (Barbara Sukowa) and Madeleine (Martine Chevallier) are lifelong friends who have hidden their love from the world. Despite living somewhat separate lives, they always held on to their relationship, even after Madeleine marries and has a family of her own with a man. After her husband’s death, Nina and Madeleine continue their relationship, owning separate apartments across from one another. Soon their love is put up to the ultimate test when one of them is put in a compromising position after losing the freedom to be together.
What if you spent your whole life hiding the one thing you loved most? What if that was taken from you? These are some of the questions explored in Filippo Meneghetti’s love story, “Two of Us.” The film follows two women, Nina and Madeleine, who share a hidden love ever since their friendship began as children. Later in their lives, they have the opportunity to leave and finally be together without having to hide behind closed doors. This opportunity tests the love they share and shows them the lengths they’d be willing to go for one another. Thus, creating a raw and emotional story that really lets us take a peek into the lives of these forbidden lovers.
This movie really conveys the tragedy of having to hide one’s love and the strength that love provides in return. The chemistry between Barbara Sukowa and Martine Chevallier brings believability and life to the relationship. The two actresses seem to understand not only the longevity of the relationship but the complexity of their characters’ personalities. Nina’s strong and independent nature makes for a great parallel to Madeleine’s soft and nurturing personality. Together they bring balance to the turbulence of their separate lives.
The only thing that weighs down the film is its pace. After our initial introductions into the couple’s lives together and separately, we begin to settle into this moment in their lives that is the focus of the film. A slow burn of dramatic tension lulls you into passivity in regards to your investment in the story. Despite that, it still tells a compelling story of love and sacrifice. An interesting candidate for a potential spot in Best International Feature. The film doesn’t lack anything to warrant no consideration and depicts an admirable new love story for audiences to experience.
Now playing in Select Theaters and On-Demand
