The 2022 film ‘Look Both Ways’ is a romantic comedy-drama on Netflix starring Lili Reinhart. It follows the story of Natalie, whose life splits into two parallel realities on the night of her college graduation based on the outcome of a pregnancy test. The film explores how her life unfolds in both scenarios, ultimately highlighting themes of choice, fate, and self-discovery.
Ever wondered how a single decision could reshape your life? What if you could see two divergent paths unfold from one pivotal moment? That is the fascinating premise of Look Both Ways, a thought-provoking Netflix-sci-fi-movie-worth-watching/”>Netflix film that has sparked considerable conversation. Starring the charismatic Lili Reinhart, the movie delves into the “what ifs” that linger in our minds. It explores how one choice can profoundly impact a young woman’s future, affecting both her career and her love life.
But does this unique concept translate into a compelling watch? At IWatchMovies Blog, that’s what we aim to discover in our collection of Individual Movie Reviews. In this honest and thorough look both ways review, we take a deep dive into the look both ways film. We’ll analyze the plot, evaluate the performances, and explore the movie’s message to help you decide if this tale of parallel lives is worth adding to your watchlist.
So, join us as we navigate the two distinct timelines of Natalie’s journey. Before we deliver our final verdict, let’s begin with a closer look at what the ‘Look Both Ways’ film is all about.
What is the ‘Look Both Ways’ Film About?
A Quick Synopsis
This thought-provoking romantic dramedy explores life’s biggest “what ifs.” A Netflix original, the Look Both Ways film presents two wildly different yet equally compelling parallel timelines, both stemming from one pivotal moment.
The protagonist is Natalie, played charmingly by Lili Reinhart [1]. On the eve of her college graduation, this ambitious senior has her life planned out: move to Los Angeles with her best friend, Cara, and pursue a dream career in animation. However, her future hinges on a single, life-altering event: a pregnancy test on graduation night.
This moment splits the story in two, with the film deftly presenting distinct realities for Natalie:
- Timeline One: Motherhood in Austin. In this reality, the pregnancy test is positive. Consequently, Natalie remains in her hometown of Austin, Texas, to raise her child with Gabe, the baby’s father and her platonic friend. This timeline explores the challenges and unexpected joys of early motherhood as Natalie struggles to keep her artistic aspirations alive.
- Timeline Two: Career in Los Angeles. Conversely, the test is negative. Natalie moves to Los Angeles with Cara as planned, where she navigates the competitive animation industry. This path follows her career setbacks, new friendships, and a budding romance with her co-worker, Jake, highlighting the pursuit of professional dreams.
By weaving these two narratives together, Look Both Ways masterfully explores how a single moment can shape a future. The film prompts viewers to consider themes of choice versus destiny and how aspirations evolve regardless of the path taken. While this look both ways review will delve deeper, the core message is clear: both of Natalie’s stories are ultimately about growth, self-discovery, and finding happiness in unexpected places.
What was the point of the movie Look Both Ways?
Exploring Choice vs. Destiny
The Netflix film Look Both Ways explores the age-old debate of choice vs. destiny. It asks a fascinating question: what if a single, pivotal moment could send your life down two different paths?
The film follows Natalie (Lili Reinhart) as her life splits into two parallel timelines. In one, she becomes a young mother in Austin, Texas. In the other, she moves to Los Angeles to pursue her animation career [2].
The movie doesn’t present one path as “better” than the other. Instead, it highlights how a single decision can profoundly shape our circumstances while our core identity remains consistent. Across both realities, Natalie navigates similar emotional challenges and personal triumphs. This dual narrative ultimately poses a compelling question: How much of our life is determined by choice, and how much is guided by fate?
The Core Message of Self-Discovery
Beyond its parallel-lives premise, Look Both Ways delivers an uplifting message about self-discovery. Natalie’s journey in both timelines is a testament to personal growth. While she faces different obstacles and joys in each reality, she ultimately evolves into a mature and resilient woman.
The film emphasizes that fulfillment comes from within, not from external circumstances or career achievements. Whether embracing motherhood or chasing artistic dreams, Natalie learns several invaluable lessons:
- Accepting unforeseen challenges with grace.
- Finding strength in her vulnerability.
- Understanding her own evolving desires and ambitions.
- Forging meaningful connections with others, regardless of her path.
Ultimately, the film shows that both paths lead Natalie to a rich and meaningful life because she focuses on becoming her best self in any situation. Her personal evolution, not the specific outcome of her life, is the story’s true heart. It serves as an inspiring reminder to embrace our own journey and focus on the person we become along the way.
Is Look Both Ways a good movie?
The Cast and Performances
In any film review, the performances are key, and in Look Both Ways, the central performance by Lili Reinhart is the undeniable anchor. She skillfully portrays two distinct versions of Natalie Bennett, a dual role that demands a nuanced approach. Reinhart’s performance shows how minor choices can lead the same person down wildly different paths.
Reinhart differentiates her two Natalies not just through their circumstances, but through subtle shifts in personality and outlook. She convincingly plays both the starry-eyed artist in Los Angeles and the new young mom in Austin, keeping the audience invested in both timelines.
The supporting cast also delivers solid work. Danny Ramirez brings a charming, grounded presence as Gabe, Natalie’s college friend and the father of her child in one timeline. In the other, David Corenswet offers a different kind of chemistry as Jake, her aspiring filmmaker love interest. Both actors effectively help to flesh out Natalie’s separate worlds.
Additionally, Natalie’s parents, played by Andrea Savage and Luke Wilson, add warmth and realism. Though their roles are smaller, they provide essential emotional grounding for her journey. Overall, the Look Both Ways cast forms a cohesive ensemble that elevates the film’s premise.
Story, Pacing, and Direction
The core concept of Look Both Ways is intriguing: it explores parallel realities that spring from a single decision. Director Wanuri Kahiu takes on this ambitious task to show the “what ifs” of life. The story delves into thought-provoking themes like destiny versus choice, motherhood, and career ambition. While these are heavy topics, the film presents them in an accessible way.
Managing two parallel narratives is tricky, but the pacing in Look Both Ways is generally smooth. The film transitions between timelines with minimal jarring, giving each storyline enough space to develop. Kahiu’s direction is crucial, ensuring that Natalie’s core essence remains consistent even as her paths diverge. This consistency helps the audience stay connected to her character.
Despite its engaging premise, some viewers may find the dual narratives slightly uneven. At times, one timeline feels more compelling than the other. Nevertheless, the film largely succeeds in delivering its message about the complexity of life’s unpredictable journey. It’s a fresh take on the romantic drama genre that asks bigger questions than most.
Critical and Audience Reception (Rotten Tomatoes & More)
The reception for Look Both Ways reveals a split between critics and audiences, a common occurrence for a Netflix movie review. Here’s a look at what the numbers show.
- Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: The film holds a 50% “Rotten” rating based on critic reviews [3]. This indicates a mixed reaction, with professional reviewers evenly divided.
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: In contrast, the audience reception is more positive, with a 68% “Fresh” rating [3]. This suggests that casual viewers found the film more enjoyable or relatable than critics did.
Many critics pointed to the film’s simplistic exploration of its complex themes. Some felt that while the premise was strong, the execution leaned into familiar romantic comedy tropes and lost its unique edge. On the other hand, many praised Lili Reinhart’s performance and the film’s heartwarming, optimistic message.
Audiences, however, frequently highlighted the film’s feel-good nature and intriguing “what if” scenario. Many viewers resonated with its universal themes of career versus family and the pressure of making life-altering decisions. Natalie’s emotional journey across both timelines seemed to strike a chord with those looking for an engaging, uplifting watch. Ultimately, the Look Both Ways review landscape shows a film that connected more strongly with its target audience than with professional critics.
What was the actual ending of Look Both Ways?
Analyzing the Two Parallel Timelines
The brilliance of Look Both Ways lies in its unique narrative structure, which follows two parallel timelines for its protagonist, Natalie (Lili Reinhart). The story splits after a pivotal moment on her college graduation night: a pregnancy test.
In the first timeline, the test is positive, leading Natalie to stay in Austin, Texas. She embraces motherhood, raising her daughter, Rosie, with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Gabe (Danny Ramirez). This path is filled with unexpected joys and challenges as she navigates co-parenting while pursuing her animation dreams locally.
In the second timeline, the test is negative, and Natalie moves to Los Angeles with her best friend, Cara (Aisha Dee). There, she dives into her career, facing the rejections and hustle of the animation industry. This path also leads to a new romance with Jake (David Corenswet).
The film masterfully weaves between these two realities, revealing how Natalie grows through similar internal struggles in both. Despite the different circumstances, each version of Natalie experiences career setbacks, questions her choices, and finds love. Crucially, her deep bond with Cara remains a constant, proving that some friendships are unbreakable, no matter which path life takes.
The Final Scene Explained
The ending of Look Both Ways doesn’t merge the two timelines but instead offers a powerful thematic conclusion. In both realities, Natalie arrives at a similar place, both literally and figuratively: standing on the cusp of a new chapter, feeling confident and self-assured.
In the “motherhood” timeline, Natalie is at an animation festival with Gabe and Rosie, ready to present her work. Having successfully balanced her family with her career, she looks out, content with the future she has built.
Conversely, in the “career” timeline, she is also at an animation festival, this time with Jake, about to debut her animated short. Having achieved her professional goals and found a loving partner, she looks out, reflecting on the journey that brought her there.
The final shot brilliantly brings these moments together. As Natalie stands before a mirror, her reflection appears as the “other” Natalie, a visual metaphor for the film’s core message: different choices create different experiences, but both can lead to a fulfilling life. Her personal growth and happiness are not dependent on a single outcome. By learning to “look both ways,” she appreciates that every path holds its own rewards. Ultimately, the film suggests that self-discovery and inner peace are attainable, no matter which road you take.
Our Final Verdict: Is Look Both Ways Worth Watching?
So, what’s the final verdict on Look Both Ways? This Netflix movie offers a refreshing take on the classic “what if” scenario, genuinely making you ponder life’s pivotal choices. While it may not be a must-see masterpiece, it delivers a thought-provoking and engaging experience.
The film’s core strength is its unique premise, skillfully navigating the two distinct paths that stem from a single decision. Lili Reinhart’s performance is another standout; she embodies both versions of Natalie with remarkable nuance and relatability, ensuring viewers connect with her struggles and triumphs. The movie also excels at exploring universal themes like self-discovery, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams, reminding us that different paths can often lead to similar personal growth.
However, the film isn’t without a few limitations. The pacing can feel uneven, and it occasionally leans into predictable romantic comedy tropes. Despite its ambitious concept, the story doesn’t delve as deeply as it could into the philosophical implications of choice versus destiny. Still, these minor issues don’t significantly detract from the overall enjoyment.
Ultimately, is Look Both Ways worth watching? We confidently say yes, especially for viewers who appreciate:
- “What If” Scenarios: Fans of stories that explore alternate realities will be intrigued.
- Coming-of-Age Dramas: It beautifully captures the anxieties and excitements of young adulthood.
- Relatable Characters: Natalie’s journey, in both timelines, feels authentic and inspiring.
- Lili Reinhart’s Talent: Her dual performance alone makes the film worth seeing.
The audience reception for Look Both Ways on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes reflects its broad appeal, with many viewers praising its emotional depth and unique structure [3].
In conclusion, Look Both Ways is a charming and reflective romantic dramedy perfect for a cozy night in. It offers both entertainment and food for thought. While not groundbreaking, this genuinely sweet and intelligent movie leaves you feeling good about life’s many choices, whatever they may be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the movie Look Both Ways on Netflix?
Yes! Look Both Ways is a Netflix Original movie, which means it’s available to stream exclusively on their platform [4]. The film debuted in August 2022 and quickly became a popular choice for viewers who enjoy heartfelt, thought-provoking romantic comedy-dramas. So, if you’re ready to explore Natalie’s parallel realities, Netflix is the place to go.
Is Look Both Ways inappropriate?
The Look Both Ways film is generally considered appropriate for teens and adults. It has a TV-14 rating on Netflix, which indicates some material may be unsuitable for viewers under 14 [4]. Specifically, the movie contains:
- Some mild language.
- Suggestive situations common to the romantic-comedy genre.
- Themes of young adulthood, including career paths, college life, and relationships.
There is no graphic violence or explicit sexual content. Overall, it’s a relatively tame and uplifting story, and the TV-14 rating serves as a helpful guideline for parents.
Who is in the cast of Look Both Ways?
The cast of Look Both Ways features a talented ensemble. Here are the key actors and their roles:
- Lili Reinhart as Natalie. She is best known for playing Betty Cooper in the hit series Riverdale.
- Danny Ramirez as Gabe, Natalie’s college friend and a potential love interest in one timeline.
- David Corenswet as Jake, a charming graphic designer in Natalie’s Los Angeles timeline.
- Aisha Dee as Cara, Natalie’s best friend and roommate.
- Andrea Savage as Tina, Natalie’s mother.
- Luke Wilson as Rick, Natalie’s father.
This stellar cast brings the film’s dual narratives to life, adding depth and charm to each character [5].
Is Look Both Ways based on a book?
No, the Look Both Ways film is not based on a book. It’s an original story from screenwriter April Prosser [6]. The film’s imaginative concept—where a single moment creates two parallel realities—was developed specifically for the screen. It’s always exciting to see fresh, original stories on Netflix!
