Before Midnight is an emotional roller-coaster of a romantic drama that marvellously captures so many fears and ideals that today’s lovers hold on to, as director Richard Linklater thankfully treats his audience like adults who can actually process conceptual information without having a spoon jammed down their throats.
It’s not easy to see Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy traverse the rough waters of true love, but it’s damn near the most rewarding romantic watch you’ll find this year. Hawke and Delpy – who also contributed to the screenplay – have these characters in their DNA, and are both affecting and stingingly funny. Few screen couples have ever shared such electric chemistry and it is incredible to watch these two interact.
Before Midnight marks another exceptional chapter in one of cinema’s most powerful, tender, complicated and dialogue-rich love affairs, and it is a true delight to watch.