: Some critics, such as those at Cinema Etc. , found the film "endlessly boring" and suggested the story might have worked better as a short film, arguing that it felt bloated as a full feature.
: Shelby explicitly pushes the notion of living without the "possibility of punishment," emphasizing the "now" over past traumas or future uncertainties. Critical Reception and Style
: A central pillar of the film is the characters' agreement to be completely honest with one another. Critics have noted that this transparency makes the unfolding relationship feel authentic and "richly human".
The film functions as an "unapologetically adult" romance that delves into the psychology of its protagonists:
: Shot by Ryan Andrew Balas , the film avoids typical Hollywood polish in favor of a naturalistic style that captures the flaws and beauty of the human body without resorting to "stylistic crap".
The film's reception has been polarized, primarily due to its slow pace and explicit nature: