LOS ANGELES – In the unconventional romantic comedy “Love Me,” directors Sam and Andy Zuchero explore the complex dynamics of relationships and the unrealistic expectations placed on them. Set in a post-apocalyptic future where humans no longer exist, the film follows the bond between a buoy and a satellite, portrayed by Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun in various forms. While the movie showcases stunning visuals and innovative storytelling, it also suffers from a lack of focus – similar to the filmmakers’ previous work, “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
The narrative centers around Me, a buoy named me.life.form, and Iam, a satellite. Both artificial intelligence beings, Me’s mission is to find a connection while Iam is programmed to connect with any lifeform. Their relationship begins with a lie, as Me pretends to be a lifeform to initiate the connection. As the story unfolds, the Zucheros provide a virtual space for their interactions to take place, ranging from a rudimentary search engine to a virtual reality apartment based on an influencer couple.
Examining human emotions and the influence of media, the Zucheros highlight the impact of socialization and the media’s role in shaping our expectations. Me becomes infatuated with a posting by the influencer couple, showcasing a contrived version of love and highlighting the unrealistic portrayals often presented in Hollywood productions. The film raises thought-provoking questions about desire and cultural imprinting and challenges traditional ideas of love and identity.
One of the film’s standout moments is a captivating and unconventional sex scene, where Me and Iam transform into hyper-realistic versions of Stewart and Yeun. This scene delves into the characters’ desires and the extent to which societal influences shape their feelings. However, despite its thought-provoking themes, the film’s circuitous path back to a traditional boy-meets-girl story may leave some viewers wanting more.
One notable flaw in the film’s premise is the limited reference point for Me and Iam’s understanding of romance. With their advanced intelligence and billions of years to evolve, it seems unrealistic that they would rely solely on a simplistic relationship model. This criticism raises questions about the potential missed opportunities for these AI beings to teach humanity something new about love and connection.
“Love Me” is undeniably an audacious and visually stunning film, driven by the performances of Stewart and Yeun. However, its overcomplication and lack of focus may deter some viewers. Despite its flaws, the film prompts viewers to contemplate the impact of media and societal expectations on relationships, inviting them to consider the complexities of love and connection.