The Killing of Two Lovers

Neon | Release Date: May 14, 2021

7.1	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 16 Ratings

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Brent_MarchantMay 15, 2021

When a couple goes through a trial separation with an open approach to dating others, difficulties arise when the spouses see the arrangement differently from one another, leading to tense exchanges, heartbreak and eventually the threat ofWhen a couple goes through a trial separation with an open approach to dating others, difficulties arise when the spouses see the arrangement differently from one another, leading to tense exchanges, heartbreak and eventually the threat of genuine danger. But, in director Robert Machoian's latest, things are not always what they seem to be as this chilling and suspenseful tale plays out. The film's brilliantly orchestrated and executed minimalist treatment, coupled with its expertly crafted atmospheric mood, ethereal soundtrack, stark cinematography and fine performances, combine to make for a taut, gripping story that keeps viewers spellbound, especially when it spins off in unexpected directions. Admittedly, the picture could have benefitted from a little more back story, though that's more than made up for by the production's superb character development and many other attributes, a film that shows more than tells in conveying its narrative. This Independent Spirit Award nominee for the competition's John Cassavettes Award was certainly well deserved, showing cinephiles and the movie industry at large that it is indeed possible to produce great work with meager means.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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BritimonMay 21, 2021

It had so much... presence. I was utterly present in this minuscule, but gravity-filled, world. Acting was perfect.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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moviemitch96May 28, 2021

A small little film filmed in my native Utah, an estranged husband and wife go through a trial separation, pushing the sanity and patience of the husband to the edge as he tries to grapple with his wife's newfound relationship. First off, theA small little film filmed in my native Utah, an estranged husband and wife go through a trial separation, pushing the sanity and patience of the husband to the edge as he tries to grapple with his wife's newfound relationship. First off, the always fascinating 4:3 aspect ratio reallyakes this film stand out, as do the performances, particularly Clayne Crawford's unhinged performance. Storyline, the film definitely hooked me, but execution-wose, I felt rather underwhelmed throughout most of the film, and the ending in particular felt loose, open-ended, and like nothing was really resolved. Overall, very well-shot and a tense mood throughout. However, the film simply just underwhelmed a little in the end.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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JLuis_001May 29, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Stay together for the kids.
It may be a simplistic reading, but there are not many possible interpretations in this film.

The plot is simple. A man who takes time apart from his wife to try to repair his marriage and not tear his family apart in the process.

The total focus of the narrative is on him, but for the same reason the film makes the other characters completely one-dimensional.

Apparently one of the things they agreed to in their time apart was to be able to see other people, something that his wife is doing, while he's clearly falling apart.
The same scene that opens the film shows you the extent of that quite clearly.

Fortunately the film is short, so it doesn't recycle its elements, this despite the fact that it is quite clear that the character, not wanting to separate his family, doesn't understand that his relationship has ended, and perhaps the healthiest thing now is to take separate ways.

The tension that remains is more of a residual effect of the opening scene, since what remains to be wondered as time progresses, is whether he will ultimately make that wrong decision, or will he be strong enough not to.

The Killing of Two Lovers is a movie that feels cold and distant, but it held my attention, and like I said, it helps a lot that it doesn't overextend its welcome.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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UncleWillardJun 12, 2021

Definitely tense and starkly beautiful. Hard to imagine such a wide open and desolate place still seeming claustrophobic, but it feels suffocating. I've how you're at once sympathic and repulsed by David, and Clayne Crawford pulls off anDefinitely tense and starkly beautiful. Hard to imagine such a wide open and desolate place still seeming claustrophobic, but it feels suffocating. I've how you're at once sympathic and repulsed by David, and Clayne Crawford pulls off an amazing performance riding the thin line between them. Coy as Dersk brings a tense and predatory Ed Norton vibe to what turns out to be a managing character, and with very little screen time. This is a great flick about a disintegrating marriage and the desperation of losing it.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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