It seems this past couple months our theaters have been packed with nothing but superhero blockbusters and never-ending franchises. For something different, we have to look to Celeste & Jesse Forever, a 2012 feel-good flick that’s finally made its way to Thailand. This small-scale production from director Lee Toland Krieger and screen writer/lead actress Rashida Jones quirkily explores the question of whether spouses can maintain a meaningful friendship after ending their marriage.
It’s the story of Celeste (Jones) and Jesse (Andy Samberg), a couple who have spent most of their lives together since meeting in high school. Now in their thirties, Celeste is a real go-getter, a successful author and trend forecaster who also owns a media consulting company, while Jesse is an unemployed artist accustomed to life at a much, much slower pace. On seemingly different tracks, Celeste decides “to make things right” and asks Jesse for a separation after six years of marriage. However, to the surprise of everyone, including their best friends Beth and Tucker, both agree to keep their friendship ticking along as if nothing has really changed. All is seemingly fine until Jesse introduces Celeste to his new girlfriend Veronica, who is carrying his child. Now Celeste must face up to her feelings and choose between friendship and a real-deal relationship.
While Celeste & Jesse Forever questions whether ex-lovers can remain supportive friends after the break-up, what we particularly like about the film is its open-endedness. It has you convinced of the possibility of two very different endings—either that Celeste and Jesse enjoy a fairy tale reunion or that one is left behind. The film also shows that, despite all the external factors that come into play, the fate of a relationship inevitably comes down to two people. The story is convincingly delivered as if we’re growing up with both central characters. The symbolic and touching dialogue, too, keeps the story alive without resorting to awkwardly clichéd scenes.
Finally, if you’ve been tricked by the trailer into thinking this is a plain old rom-com romp, prepare some tissues. But Celeste & Jesse Forever cannot be reduced to a tale of heartbreak or happy ending; rather it offers a glimpse into the ups-and-downs of any relationship.
