The Pretty One: Identity, Deception, and the Duality of Laurel and Audrey

Unveiling the Enigma of Self: A Deep Dive into 'The Pretty One'

Have you gazed in the mirror and thought, "Who is that person staring back?" In the quirky yet profound film The Pretty One, this question leads to chaos and self-discovery through mistaken identity.

Laurel: The Wallflower in Retro Clothing

Meet Laurel, portrayed by Zoe Kazan. She lives a quiet existence, a true wallflower. Home with her widowed father, she dresses in her late mother's outdated clothes. While sister Audrey finds success in the city, Laurel secretly dates a high schooler, embracing shyness. Her life isn’t bad, just bland. She fades into the background, observing from the sidelines. It seems she embraces being the ‘other twin,’ always overshadowed by Audrey, the ‘pretty one.’ Her routine is peaceful, contrasting sharply with Audrey's vibrant life.

Audrey: The Epitome of Confidence (or is she?)

Audrey, also played by Kazan, is Laurel's twin but very different in nature. She exudes confidence and commands attention in a room. Audrey possesses that charm and allure many strive to achieve. She lives the life Laurel desires: successful, independent, and fearless. Initially, she seems to embody the ideal woman. However, a tragic accident changes everything.

Zoe Kazan: A Twin Performance of Nuance

Zoe Kazan shines in her roles as Laurel and Audrey. It's not merely about portraying two characters; it's about capturing distinct personalities that appear identical outwardly yet differ internally. Kazan navigates this gracefully. Laurel is hesitant and soft-spoken. In contrast, Audrey is bold and assertive. These shifts make the identity swap believable. Kazan’s skill allows us to see distinct souls within similar bodies. This isn’t just wigs; it’s a complex portrayal of separate identities within the same genetic frame.

The Twin Paradox: Identity and Deception

The film cleverly uses twins to probe identity and self-perception. Following Audrey’s accidental death and Laurel's mistaken identity, Laurel steps into Audrey's life. She seizes this chance to live as the ‘pretty one.’ However, this new life rests on deceit, forcing Laurel to confront her true self and desires. Similar twin themes surface in narratives such as Echoes, where identities shift, leading to chaos and consequences. Yet, The Pretty One adopts a lighter, comedic flair while exploring identity theft's emotional weight. It’s about more than pretending; it's about uncovering hidden aspects of oneself through lies. It prompts reflection: Is identity fixed? Can we test new identities like clothing, growing into them over time?

The title, The Pretty One, carries a wry note. It extends beyond beauty. It highlights societal expectations for those labeled ‘pretty.’ Laurel's journey probes these ideas. Initially craving Audrey's beauty, she may uncover her essence of ‘pretty’—a version intrinsic and not based on borrowed identities. The film blends humor with depth, demonstrating that sometimes impersonating another can lead to self-discovery. In a world fixated on external validation, this lesson holds significance. Unlike the fairy-tale transformation seen in movies like Pretty Woman, which captivated audiences with its romantic story, or the tragic narrative of La Traviata, often seen as its precursor, The Pretty One offers a more layered and relatable exploration of visibility, value, and finding one's unique form of beauty.