The Honeymoon Phase (2020) Movie Drinking Game
Do a Shot: for every shot of a condom wrapper.
Take a Drink: for every mention of Tom’s book.
Do a Shot: for every shot of Tom writing.
Take a Drink: for every time Eve notices Tom acting different.
By: Movie Snurb (Four Beers) –
Tom and Eve are newly engaged and like most young couples are struggling to get by financially. The find a study that will pay $50,000 for a couple’s experiment that will last 30 days. The corporation wants to study the newlywed phase and how it is lost. Why doesn’t that phase last for the entire marriage? At first the experiment seems fun. Getting to stay in a nice house, with everything taken care of. Then Tom seems to start acting differently, and maybe this experiment isn’t what it seems to be.
A Toast
The film looks really good; the lighting and the cinematography really make the experiment house look like a dream. Also, without spoilers, the final twist I didn’t see coming. What makes it a good twist is looking back on the movie the pieces are there to see the twist coming if you knew where to look. The twist works and does elevate what was a meh movie until that point.
Beer Two
The writing of the twist and the hints/Easter eggs were great, but the dialogue is just ok. It’s not lazy per se, but the conversations between the “Action” moments drag because the dialogue has no sparkle. The film is less than 90 minutes, but it feels longer and the dialogue is to blame. Also, the premise is weak; science has already proven why the honeymoon phase doesn’t last. Love is literally a chemical reaction and eventually your brain stops firing those chemicals after awhile. So, all the characters should’ve known something was up from the get go.
Beer Three
Along with the writing, the acting leaves something to be desired. Chloe Carroll who plays Eve is fine. She has more to do and has the meatier role and she digs in well. Her partner Jim Schubin as Tom, however, is boring. His performance is lifeless. I want to mostly blame the script which is basic, but he doesn’t try to give any life to Tom as Chloe did with Eve.
Beer Four
I wish the end of the film finished as strongly, as the twist is strong. After the twist the last 10 minutes are too predictable. Because of the predictable ending the film leaves you with a meh taste in your mouth. If this film could’ve ended stronger, this would’ve been a much more memorable and better film.
Verdict
An intriguing premise and a good twist cannot save this mediocre script and flat performances.
