Like Crazy (12A)

Alison Rowat's Review

Almost in time for Valentine’s Day and young lovers of whatever age is Drake Doremus’s endearing drama, a double prize-winner at Sundance.

When Anna (Felicity Jones) meets Jacob (Anton Yelchin) at university in Los Angeles, sense and finances should dictate their romance fizzles out when the course finishes. Logic and visa regulations go out the window for a while as love takes hold.

Shot in a hand-held style with an improvised vibe, Like Crazy is as hip as young furniture designer Jacob’s trendy designs. The way Doremus concentrates on the mundane details of a long-distance relationship, the awkward reunions and the strained phone calls, keeps the piece tethered to a reality that many will recognise.

It’s the terrifically natural performances of the two leads that seal the deal and keep you interested in how it all turns out. Watch out too for Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone) in a supporting role.

Paul Greenwood's Review

American Anton Yelchin and English student Felicity Jones, fall for each other while she is studying in the States, but when she chooses to flout her visa and stay for the summer, she’s refused entry the next time she tries to visit the country.

This all becomes a bit of a repetitive back-and-forward, and the solution to their problem can seem like a simple one, while an intrusive camera means we’re often just watching people live their lives, sometimes mundanely, rather than providing a vibrant drama.

But this is still a delicate and emotive handheld indie, and though a bit schmaltzy, it is undercut with genuine feeling and a pair of likeable performances that bring to life engaging characters trying to work through real and tough obstacles.