The One I Love

In the opening scene, Ethan (Mark Duplass) and Sophie (Elisabeth Moss) share with their marriage therapist Ted Danson the story of their first meeting. “We met at a party and it was magic,” Ethan reminisces. Their spontaneous night ended with an unexpected plunge into a neighbor’s pool, resulting in sheer joy. They attempt to relive that exhilarating moment on their anniversary, but to Sophie’s dismay, nobody shows up this time. “Happiness used to be so easy, but no longer,” she confesses, grappling with old feelings as she struggles to trust Ethan again. The therapist suggests a retreat, hoping to “reset the reset button,” claiming that many couples leave rejuvenated.

Upon arriving at the picturesque retreat, an air of tension hangs between Ethan and Sophie, marked by awkward silences. Ethan wanders the grounds and is drawn to “The Coop,” where he stumbles upon a computer and recording setup. Inside the “Guest House,” he discovers a guestbook filled with glowing reviews from previous visitors. As Ethan whips up a romantic dinner, the couple shares some wine, indulges in a bit of pot, and unwinds together, culminating in a reaffirmation of their love. Yet, when Sophie runs back to the main house to grab clothes, she finds Ethan asleep on the couch, causing a misunderstanding that leaves her feeling alone.

Ethan later returns to the guest house, and they share tender moments before an unexpected dispute shakes things up. The following morning, Ethan is puzzled by Sophie’s strange morning routines, including an unexpected bacon breakfast, which she normally detests. The couple’s dynamic continues to grow increasingly bizarre as Ethan uncovers unsettling aspects of their retreat experience, while Sophie looks for clarity regarding their emotional disconnect.

Their exploration of the guest house turns into a suspenseful unraveling of their relationship dynamics as they set rules to navigate this peculiar setup. They each take “15-minute sessions” inside the guest house, only to encounter their other selves—versions of themselves that embody their idealized traits. During these poignant moments, Ethan grows jealous as he witnesses his alternate self catering to Sophie’s emotional needs. As the facade starts collapsing, secrets and unspoken truths emerge, leading to emotional confrontations that blur the lines between reality and illusion.

The couple’s progress is further complicated by their interactions with their other selves, ultimately culminating in a climactic confrontation that unveils deep-seated fears and insecurities. As Ethan and Sophie scramble to reclaim their marriage, a strange twist reveals the true nature of the retreat, pushing them to question their very identities and the authenticity of their love.

In a final attempt to salvage their relationship, they return to their therapist’s office, only to find it abandoned, leaving them with lingering questions about the bounds of their reality and the motivations behind their therapist’s peculiar methods. Together they return home, noticeably changed, with a renewed commitment to each other. However, the bittersweet ending leaves them pondering their experience, and as Sophie goes to prepare breakfast, Ethan suddenly questions, “Did I really choose the right Sophie?” That moment encapsulates their transformative journey as they navigate the aftermath of an unforgettable weekend.

Last Updated: October 28, 2024 at 08:18