A madly-in-love young couple's relationship begins to suffer when they struggle to conceive a child.
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CinemaSerf
6
By CinemaSerf
Whilst there is something poignantly touching about the subject matter here, it's all rather washed away in a fairly pedestrian melodrama. It's very early on New Year's Day in Glasgow and "Elena" (Laia Costa) has left a party looking for a taxi. When she does see one, it's already been flagged down by "Jake" (Josh O'Connor) who despite her rudeness offers her a lift. That's the start of a burgeoning relationship, egged on by a little Elvis Costello, and soon they are full of the joys of spring - of the seasonal and mattress variety. They decide that they want to have a bairn to make their family complete, but even working through the entire pop-up version of the Kamasutra that just isn't happening. A trip to the doctor presents a few unwelcome home truths - not least that she is in her mid-30s and conceiving might be a little harder. The fun that have had trying now becomes a more perfunctory procedure, before the story embarks on the serious purpose of the plot - the stresses and strains put on a relationship by IVF. Tantrums galore now ensue as both struggle to deal with exasperation and frustration. Their hitherto affection now faces a series of challenges that challenges the fabric of their relatively new relationship and brings into sharp focus the almost ten year age gap between the pair. Any of us who know people who have used this fertility treatment will know just how tough it can be - with no guaranteed results, so both characters here are aiming at an open goal on the sympathy front. It's just that it quickly enters the realms of what can go wrong will. Their rows appear more contrived. Not so much hormonally driven frustrations, more ones from an auteur who was a little unsure of his footing. The acting is adequate and it does shine a light on the ghastliness and unpredictability of something quite so visceral for both, but it's all a little too unfocussed as it develops. It's worth a watch, just a bit disappointing.
