Review of Only Lovers Left Alive (2013) by Emiy K — 22 May 2015

Like the rest of Jarmusch's work, this movie won't be for everyone. There is no traditional, three-act plot here. Instead, it's a snap shot into the life of two people who are also immortal. The romantic fantasy of having all the time in the world is debunked with the reality that the characters end up living no different than the rest of us. Tom Hiddleston is the cynical, depressed artist that can't see the point in living while Tilda Swinton is the social adventurer that thinks living is the point. They share real chemistry and give terrific performances along with the rest of the cast which includes Mia Wasikowska as the petulant little sister.

I'm sure the pacing will be the real issue for many. The beauty of nothing happening is that every moment is on equal footing. The viewer is left to play observer which means they can either take stock of the details or stare off into space but that doesn't mean there isn't something there for those that actually look.