Endings, Beginnings (2019)

Endings, Beginnings (2019) is a romantic drama directed by Drake Doremus and co-written with Jardine Libaire. The film stars Shailene Woodley as Daphne, a thirty-something woman navigating love and heartbreak over the course of a year in Los Angeles.

After ending a long-term relationship and quitting her job, Daphne moves into her sister's guesthouse, intending to take a six-month hiatus from dating and alcohol to rediscover herself. However, her plans are upended when she meets two men at a New Year's Eve party: Frank (Sebastian Stan), a passionate and unpredictable artist, and Jack (Jamie Dornan), a thoughtful and stable writer. Unaware that the two are best friends, Daphne becomes romantically involved with both, leading to a complex love triangle that forces her to confront her desires and fears.

The film employs a semi-improvised narrative style, with fragmented editing and visual text overlays to depict Daphne's internal struggles and the influence of modern technology on relationships. As Daphne grapples with her choices, she discovers she's pregnant, prompting a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The pregnancy becomes a metaphor for her personal growth and the possibility of new beginnings.

Critics offered mixed reviews. While some praised Woodley's performance and the film's exploration of contemporary romance, others criticized its pacing and narrative structure. The film holds a 45% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus noting that it "smothers its talented ensemble cast's committed work in a carelessly constructed, aimlessly dawdling story."

Endings, Beginnings is available for streaming on digital platforms, including Peacock