'Out of Love' DVD: Chronicles Lust Turning to Love to Loathe

The Film Movement DVD release of the 2016 Dutch erotic drama "Out of Love" adds to the mountain of proof that Movement provides regarding many themes being universal. A simplistic way of looking at this movie is that it a dark intense version of the Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner comedy "The War of the Roses."

The wider perspective is that "Love" supports the theory that many relationships fail because neither person reveals his or her crazy until after exchanging vows. Another aspect of this is the cliche that opposites attract, This is from the perspective of someone who loves "I Dream of Jeannie" living with someone who prefers "Bewitched." 

"Love" opens on a charmingly flirtatious note as chef Nikolai and customer/manicurist Varya exchange increasingly intimate glances during her visit to his restaurant., This leads to a witty initial conversation that furthers enhances the live-stage vibe that runs throughout the film. The talents of our leads, who comprise most of the cast, further make you feel as if you are enjoying a night at the theater. 

Our love birds still are enjoying their honeymoon phase when they move in together. A hilarious scene in which Varya has a bad reaction to a meal by Nikolai is an early indication of trouble in paradise. A (confirmed) early sense that Varya is a bit unstable comes when she massively overreacts to an innocent observation by Nikolai.

In fairness to Varya, Nikolai being assertively (rather than aggressively) persistent when told not now is a valid basis for complaint.

A less relatable aspect of "Love" is the profession of Nikolai being a factor. Although many of us fantasize about having a partner who equally passionate (and skilled) in the kitchen and the bedroom as well as being very easy on the eyes, the reality apparently is not-so-great. 

The starting point of dissension is the long and the late hours of NIkolai. This leads to disappointments that include being left alone much of the time, Further, the inconvenience of eating dinner fashionably late is a legitimate gripe; the same goes for being served food that creates digestion issues. 

Varya cracks first; the heat-of-the-moment reaction by Nikolai makes a bad situation even worse; the ensuing events nicely show that residual love often exists even when it is time to seek a restraining order. We also get a telling moment in which Varya expresses an odd form of sorrow, 

The truth continues to the conclusion of the film. Our story ends on a note that does not fully resolve whether this couple determines they are happier being apart than they would be together. Folks who have reached that stage know that that answer can change even a few times a day.