Ensemble Cast Brings Depth to Quirky Narrative

Read Time:5 Minute, 34 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Love… Reconsidered

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Genre: Comedy, Romance
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 30m
Director(s): Carol Ray Hartsell
Writer(s): Arielle Haller-Silverstone
Cast: Sophie Von Haselberg, Julia Coffey, Amy Pham, Judy Gold, Simon Feil, Elaine Bromka, Luke Gulbranson, Jon Lemmon, Ed Herbstman, Rosa Gilmore, Colton Haynes, Javier Muñoz, Marisa Ryan, Rick Younger, Amelia Gwaltney, Anthony Norman, Jill Kargman, Sean Crespo, Anthony Devito, Katina Corrao
Where To Watch: On Demand now


RAVING REVIEW: Welcome to the world of LOVE… RECONSIDERED a delightful journey we experience with Ruby, portrayed by Sophie Von Haselberg. Her performance grabs the spotlight and veers away from the beaten path of what we expect from a romcom, layering the narrative with themes of self-identity, love, and the quest for personal truth. With Carol Ray Hartsell directing and Arielle Haller-Silverstone providing the script with unique and persuasive humor, this film weaves together varied slices of life into a narrative that captivates and entertains, serving up a mix of introspection and romantic escapades.


The movie introduces us to Ruby Goldberg and instantly throws us into the deep end of interactions ranging from heartwarming to hilariously awkward. Alongside Ruby, we meet an eclectic mix of characters from John (Luke Gulbranson) and a wonderfully colorful array of Hamptons residents who add their unique shades to this vibrant canvas. One of my favorite scenes (IYKYK) is with Paige (Amelia Gwaltney); while she isn’t on screen for long, she makes every second count (we were lucky enough to have a short Q&A with her; see below.)

At its heart, Ruby's journey is a testament to resilience, marked by laughter, poignant moments, and authentic connections that strike a chord. LOVE… RECONSIDERED finds its stride in balancing humor with heartfelt storytelling, securing its place in the landscape of romantic comedies without seeking to upend the genre entirely. The authenticity in the film is what captivates me the most; while it was an independent film, I felt like this is just how the world works, with Murphy’s Law being at the forefront.

In her portrayal of Ruby, Von Haselberg navigates the complexities of life, infusing her character with a hopeful innocence that's both refreshing and relatable. The film's ensemble cast elevates the story, breathing life into this engaging tale of self-discovery and connection. Every interaction helps to build this world and makes you feel like you’re watching Ruby’s growth after each scene. Beyond its mere setting, the Hamptons play a pivotal role in the film, along with Ruby’s shop; they are two very different worlds that must exist alongside one another.

More than a standard romantic comedy, it examines the profound journey of finding oneself amidst societal pressures. It challenges genre conventions, presenting a narrative that is both familiar and refreshing. While not every viewer may find reflections in Ruby's story, the film is a poignant celebration of life's intricacies and the beauty of forging one's path.

LOVE… RECONSIDERED offers viewers an honest exploration of life's uncertainties and the path to self-realization. It rejoices in the complexity of life, the value of community, and the unexpected sources of fulfillment, underscoring the transformative power of empathy and the significance of authentic connections. Following Ruby's footsteps, the film invites us to embrace the boundless opportunities for those brave enough to seek their genuine selves, leaving a lasting impression that resonates well beyond the final scene.

Here is our special Q&A with Amelia Gwaltney, who plays Paige in the film.

Chris from Overly Honest Movie Reviews: Can you share what it was like to step into your character's shoes and how you prepared for your scenes? Were there any specific challenges or highlights during this process?

Amelia Gwaltney (Paige): When approaching Paige, the first thing I realized is she is very much an overachiever, a people pleaser, and a perfectionist. And I can absolutely tap into and understand the pressure of wanting to be perfect and to be what others want you to be. Combine that with the feeling of being in high school, when your world is much smaller, everything is a huge deal, and Paige was under a lot of pressure to make everything go perfectly. 

Chris: How did the director's vision and guidance influence your portrayal of the character, especially considering your limited screen time to make an impact?

Amelia: Working with Carol was great! Carol is very collaborative and really honors the actors’ ideas and impulses. Especially in a scene like that, it’s important to make sure everyone feels comfortable. Although the nerves the night before were real – once I got to set, it couldn’t have been any easier.

Chris: Was there a particular aspect of your character or the movie's theme that resonated with you?

Amelia: Trying to fit in and be more mature than you actually are – it’s a theme that I know resonated with the writer and with people everywhere. I definitely remember being that young and vulnerable and trying to handle more than I actually could at the time. 

Chris: After being part of such a compelling project, what roles or stories are you hoping to explore in the future?

Amelia: My background is in comedy, and I would love to explore dramatic roles, as well. I can’t wait to see what comes next!

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[photo courtesy of GOOD DEED ENTERTAINMENT]

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