It’s challenging to determine which is more remarkable: the fact that a married pair of filmmakers crafted a romantic drama spanning 13.7 billion years, culminating in a buoy engaging in a peculiar relationship with a satellite, or the realization that Sam and Andy Zuchero’s initial feature—a laborious film that progressively dissipates the initial creative spark—somehow ends up feeling banal and foreseeable despite its unconventional premise.
Transitioning directly from short films to what could arguably be the most extensive love story ever depicted demands a certain audacity, yet time ultimately becomes the downfall of a narrative centered on two celestial entities unable to perceive its passage. Their endeavor to sustain interest across countless millennia mirrors the Zucheros’ endeavor to captivate the audience for 92 minutes, with “Love Me”—much like the undead romance it portrays—rapidly losing its allure once it surpasses the fundamental concept at its core.
As Charlie Kaufman might eloquently express: the story unfolds at the genesis of time itself. From the emergence of Earth from a colorless metallic mass to its rapid progression through history, encompassing the fleeting existence of human civilization and culminating in a catastrophic event erasing humanity in 2027, leaving behind only our technological creations.
Among these inventions is an AI-powered buoy, persistently floating near the remnants of Manhattan. After an extended period of isolation, it attracts the attention of a genial satellite orbiting the planet, which assumes the persona of a deceased influencer named Deja, portrayed by Kristen Stewart. Through a series of events, the buoy, identifying as “Me,” manages to engage the satellite, dubbed “Iam,” in a virtual courtship, marking the final romantic pursuit on Earth.
The initial exchanges between Me and Iam, characterized by the exchange of endearing videos and AI-generated content in a quest for connection, possess a whimsical charm that transcends their inherent naivety. Both characters, animated with distinctive personalities and brought to life through compelling voice performances, embark on a journey of awkward flirtation, offering a subtle commentary on the quest for connection in the digital age.
Subsequently, as Me persuades Iam to transition from virtual interactions to an in-person rendezvous within a simulated reality space mirroring Deja’s influencer lifestyle, the narrative delves into a contemplation of artificial identities and performative behaviors. However, this exploration gradually devolves into a tedious reflection on the dichotomy between authentic selves and projected personas, culminating in a meandering discourse that fails to resonate significantly.
The film momentarily veers towards intrigue as the animated avatars of Me and Iam transform into Stewart and Yeun, presenting an opportunity for the narrative to explore uncharted territory. Yet, the storyline succumbs to a chaotic cacophony of conflicting ideas, culminating in a disjointed finale that lacks emotional resonance.
In conclusion, while “Love Me” aspires to evoke a multitude of emotions, it ultimately falls short, eliciting a sense of emotional detachment rather than profound engagement.
Evaluation: C
“Love Me” made its debut at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and is currently in search of U.S. distribution.
