Though it works as a stand alone film, Before Midnight is actually a climatic chapter in a (thus far) trilogy that follows the lives of Celeste and Jessie, a couple who met under extraordinary circumstances and have led a unique, and often troubled, courtship that continues to place their relationship in jeopardy. The films allow us to witness them as they maneuver the often complicated events of a random meeting and eventual relationship, bringing out an authenticity that is rarely seen on film.
Picking up a mere nine years after Before Sunset, Before Midnight finds our leading pair in Greece, where they have just spent six weeks with friends. But old tricks are hard to let go as a seemingly peaceful evening alone quickly changes course, offering up a rough, raw, and revealing conversation that shines a light on the troubles that exist in nearly any relationship.
Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke have grown significantly over the last two decades, and their performances benefit greatly as they feed off one another, coming off as a genuine couple with years of joys and tears to their credit. Dialogue flows freely as the pair are often the only characters on the screen, allowing for long takes that bring about an unusual sense of realism as the eloquently spoken couple dive into each other's inner psyche to question and dissect their relationship.
The film is beautifully directed by Richard Linklater, who also stood behind the camera for both Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. LInklater compliments his actors so well, crafting a beautiful story around his central couple, using the screen to showcase their talent, and meshing it well with the visually stunning sites of Greece.
I honestly didn't want Before Midnight to end. As their story escalates and the final actions become inevitable, I found myself emotionally connected with both sides, The final scene brings both Celeste and Jessie's life into full focus, forcing me to question my own purpose and learn quickly that impulsive words don't carry the weight of others.
Before Midnight is easily the best chapter in Celeste and Jessie's life thus far, though I have high hopes for future installments as the duo work through their differences and learn that while no one is perfect, accepting one's flaws is part of the beauty.
