The third in Richard Linklater’s masterful trilogy, following Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. Celine and Jesse are nine years older and wiser: now a couple with twins, they are on holiday at a Greek villa. Jesse has just reluctantly sent the child from his previous marriage back to his mother in the USA and this – plus the looming end of the holiday – brings on contemplation of life, family, love and mortality.
Unlike in the first two films, we get to see the couple in a group setting: for one extended scene – an evening meal with friends at the villa – we witness their “public” behaviour. It’s a clever way to reveal a different side to the couple.
But the real emotional centre of the film comes when the couple share one night alone at a local hotel. The anticipated night of passion and freedom soon takes a less romantic turn as they are forced to face up to the fact that the passing years have allowed resentments to build up while life decisions were being made. It’s to the great credit of Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke that they make it as real as possible and it’s remarkable how convincing their chemistry has become, whether it’s during their moments of intimacy or the argument that follows.
It’s fascinating being able to revisit this couple every nine years, but I am left hoping that there won't be further instalments. This trilogy is so perfectly judged and it now feels complete.
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