What Comes Around: When Online Romance Turns Ominous
Ever swiped right and thought, "This could be fun?" "What Comes Around" takes that online dating excitement and elevates it into thriller land. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, this intense thriller immerses us in a 17-year-old's life. She gets tangled with a man not who he seems. Think catfishing with higher stakes and drama for all, especially for her newly engaged mother. Looking for a movie that keeps you uneasy? This may be your choice.
The Story Unfolds: From Poetry Boards to Doorstep Surprises
At its core, "What Comes Around" is a drama filled with suspense. We meet Anna, portrayed by Grace Van Dien, a bright-eyed 17-year-old diving into online connection. She meets Eric online, and like many modern romances, it begins innocently.
Anna thinks Eric is a college student, an older yet relatable peer. Ah, the youth’s naivety! The truth? Eric, played by Kyle Gallner, is actually 28 years old. Yes, really. Their digital courtship begins on a poetry message board – where forbidden romances grow today? Apparently, Eric showers her with charm or poetic verses when Anna is just 16. Fast forward to her 17th birthday; Eric makes a grand gesture: he shows up at her door, gift in hand, eager to shift their online thing to offline. Cue ominous music.
The film explores the power dynamics in Anna and Eric's bond. It's not merely an age gap; there's manipulation and deception. The subtle shifts in control define their relationship's evolution from flirty banter to serious danger. This sweet love affair quickly turns into a high-stakes chase. In this game, like the tagline hints, everything isn’t as it seems.
Meet the Players: Anna and Eric
Let’s review the main characters. We first meet Anna just before her seventeenth birthday. Grace Van Dien captures Anna’s youthful energy and vulnerability. She stands on the brink of adulthood, navigating first love in the digital age. She’s smart and curious but possibly too trusting, making her a perfect target for Eric.
Then we have Eric, played by Kyle Gallner. On the outside, he displays charm and attentiveness, a poet skilled with words. Beneath lies a 28-year-old man preying on a teenager, hidden by online anonymity. Gallner is known for serious performances, and here he brings unease to Eric, making you second-guess his every word.
The Twisted Backstory: Eric, Beth, and Revenge
Here’s where things genuinely twist. Eric is not just any older man who found Anna online. There’s a deeper connection involving Anna's mother, Beth. Beth, a real estate agent, shares a past with Eric – or rather, Jesse, his real name. Prepare for a flashback! Twelve years earlier, Beth was Jesse’s teacher. Yes, that too. And lessons didn’t stay within textbooks.
So, Eric's connection to Anna isn’t random; it’s schemed. It revolves around Beth. Revenge? Emotional closure? A deranged effort for both? The film hints Jesse desires Beth to see her daughter face similar turmoil he once felt. It's a tangled web of past issues and present manipulation. Eric's motives are chilling beyond mere grooming.
Utah Backdrop: Filmed Under Pressure
"What Comes Around" was shot in Park City, Utah, during pandemic heights. Director Redford (not *that* one) managed to finish the entire film in only 16 days. Remarkable efficiency! This tight schedule under virus conditions likely added intensity to production, echoing the film's suspenseful theme.
Themes Explored: Age, Consent, and Trauma
“What Comes Around” isn’t just a thriller; it also explores heavy themes. Age, consent, and accountability weave through the narrative. The film raises significant questions about these topics, especially regarding online relationships and age differences. However, critics argue while it brushes these ideas, it lacks depth. Some reviews note "narrative shortcuts," leaving you yearning for elaborate theme exploration.
Beyond age and consent issues, the film addresses trauma – particularly unresolved trauma and its ripple effects. It examines how past experiences shape behavior now, impacting others' lives in unseen ways. Jesse’s motives stem from his past hurt, with the film showing how this untreated pain erupts destructively.
Critical Glimpses: Suspense and Performance Praises
What do critics say? Consensus leans toward "What Comes Around" being a worthwhile view, especially if you crave drama fused with suspense and thriller elements. It’s not an outright horror flick but keeps you tense with psychological tension and unfolding mystery.
Kyle Gallner's portrayal of Eric/Jesse stands out. He delivers gripping intensity, making Eric both captivating and discomforting. If you admire his work, this film promises another chance to appreciate his powerful acting.
The Ending Unpacked: Justice Served?
The ending merits discussion without spoilers revealing too much. A snippet hints at karmic justice. "...Jessie faced consequences..." implies Jesse’s scheme unfolds differently than planned. Despite Anna being "madly in love" with him, mirroring Jesse’s feelings for Beth, the ending offers hints of comeuppance.
The conclusion suggests Jesse’s desire to hurt Beth through her daughter backfired. He craved to witness her daughter's suffering, perhaps as twisted revenge for his past hurt. However, the ambiguous "...before leaving..." raises questions about whether justice is served while emotional scars linger. It's not a neatly wrapped Hollywood ending; instead it's complex and unsettling, like the film.
Overall, "What Comes Around" modernizes the threats of online deceit within a thrilling narrative. While it may not deliver answers to all thematic considerations, it assures an engaging and disturbing cinematic experience. Just think twice before accepting that poetry-loving stranger's friend request.
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