The film is set in the 1950s. The Wheelers appear to be the perfect couple in the eyes of their neighbors, acquaintances, and colleagues. She is a model homemaker, he is a successful office worker climbing the career ladder. They even have children, as in a commercial—two, a girl and a boy. However, as is often the case, appearances can be deceiving.
Both are dissatisfied with their lives and believe they are above it all. Fantasies about their uniqueness prevent them from facing the reality of their relationship. These fantasies exist because the characters do nothing extraordinary; they merely conform to the typical image of an American family in the 1950s, comforting themselves with the thought that, deep down, they deserve more. The film’s central theme is what happens when these fantasies shatter against reality.
The story revolves around relationships trapped in the cage of others’ expectations about how a person’s life with a family should be. It explores fantasies in which people live and where these fantasies can lead. Idealizing a partner always goes hand in hand with illusions about them. Letting go of these illusions is painful, but if you don’t do it in time, it may be too late.
Do you feel comfortable with your partner? What emotions do you experience around them? Warmth? Or anxiety?
Building a family and relationships is a skill we learn by observing our parents and those around us. But sometimes, we accept others’ beliefs about how we should live without analysis or thought—we simply “swallow” them without “chewing.”
How do you feel about your lifestyle? Is it truly yours? Or was it imposed on you by someone else?
Spoilers ahead.
Why doesn’t the Wheelers’ attempt to improve their lives by moving to Paris work?
- Reluctance to grow up. The characters don’t actually know who they are or what they want. And this is the foundation of any relationship.
- Attempting to solve relationship problems through external changes alone. Their life is falling apart not because of where they live, but because of their decisions and their refusal to let go of illusions.
- Banal incompatibility. Why are the characters together? What draws them to each other? What real qualities of their partner does each value?
- Limiting beliefs. These beliefs led each character to live as if not their own life, venting their frustration onto their partner.
I recommend this film to those interested in themes of marital relationships, balancing love and self-realization.
You can also read a review of this film here: https://upsihologa.com.ua/obzor/film-21
