In “What Happens Later,” Meg Ryan shines not only in front of the camera but also behind it, as director and co-writer. This effervescent, illustrated romantic comedy explores the inherent need for reconciliation within ourselves and with others, all through the lens of an ex-partner's relationship problems. It's a delightful return to the big screen for Ryan after an extended hiatus, in a genre she helped rejuvenate alongside filmmakers like Rob Reiner and Nora Ephron, to whom this film she is touchingly dedicated.
Adapting Steven Dietz's “Shooting Stars” with Dietz and Kirk Lynn, Ryan puts his own confident spin on the formula, subverting it while highlighting the characters' witty banter and touching moments of sadness. She maybe absorbed a thing or two from Reiner and Ephron through creative osmosis.
Director: Meg Ryan
Writers: Steven Dietz, Kirk Lynn, Meg Ryan
Stars Meg Ryan, David Duchovny, Hal Liggett
The story begins with a metaphor of two snowflakes falling from the sky, spinning and mixing in a sometimes harsh dance, and finally descending on a small regional airport. Bill (played by David Duchovny) is on his way to Austin when he sees his ex-girlfriend Willa (played by Ryan), who is headed to Boston, while they are both looking for an outlet. Their reconnection, after 25 years of separation, becomes tense, as small talk quickly devolves into discussing the superficial reasons for their breakup, reigniting insecurities and resentment. The widescreen format emphasizes the gulf between them, with Willa on one side of the frame and Bill on the opposite end.
Their unspoken desire to part as friends rather than enemies seems unlikely until the storm of the century arrives, forcing them to spend the night together. Their heated conversations veer between the state of the world and the state of their lives, with Bill, a practical-minded man suffering from self-diagnosed anticipatory anxiety, going through a divorce and trying to mend his relationship with his daughter. Willa, a free-spirited wellness guru, is also dealing with her own secret struggles. As they navigate their feelings about the past and present, they reveal uncomfortable and forgotten truths and rekindle a spark that was never fully extinguished.
Inspired by “Destination Wedding,” the film forces its audience to focus on the dialogue between two people instead of background noise and extras, which increases the authenticity of the film. Despite its theatrical origins, it never feels stagey and maintains a crisp, vibrant energy. The changing pieces expand the scope of its function, similar to “Prelude to a Kiss,” allowing the dialogue to flow naturally and without a rehearsed feeling. The sound design heightens the claustrophobic anxiety, especially when contrasting Willa and Bill's arguments with the storm raging in the background, or the soundtrack covers of '90s pop hits.
Themes of connection and the transitory, delicate nature of love resonate brilliantly throughout the film, not only in the narrative but also in the production design, with its giant metal heart sculpture and paper airplane installation. Costume designer Kiley Ogle dresses everyone in shades of black and white, a subtle irony considering Willa and Bill are navigating the gray areas of their views on the dissolution of their romance. Ryan and cinematographer Bartosz Nalazek illuminate the darker, more introspective sides of the couple.
The announcer, voiced by Hal Liggett, acts as a divine voice echoing from the public address system, while the video boards display double-sided commentary, further reinforcing the script's themes. When it comes to the inevitable montage in which the pair explore dark, empty terminals in a golf cart and dance to The Lightning Seeds' “Pure” in a warmly lit hallway while snow gently falls outside, the charm factor increases significantly.
David Duchovny gives a nuanced performance, combining comedy with captivating vulnerability, displaying different notes of sincerity and sweetness compared to his previous work. Meg Ryan delves deeper into the pathos of her character than in previous films of this genre, revealing the bitterness beneath the sunny facade. The way Willa alternates between calling her ex Bill, W, or William says a lot about her fluctuating feelings: playful, honest, or distant. Ryan infuses her character with depth and dimension, making her lovable and tender at the same time.
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