10 Things We Should Do Before We Break Up - Film Review

Post

Subscribe

10 Things We Should Do Before We Break Up is a 2020 independent romantic drama directed and written by Galt Niederhoffer. The film stars Christina Ricci as Abigail and Hamish Linklater as Ben, two emotionally complex individuals who find themselves in an unexpected relationship after a one-night stand results in an unplanned pregnancy. Unlike conventional romantic comedies, the movie takes a more subdued, introspective approach, exploring themes of love, responsibility, personal growth, and the unpredictability of relationships.

With a minimalist narrative, 10 Things We Should Do Before We Break Up stands out for its raw portrayal of modern romance, avoiding the typical rom-com formula of grand gestures and fairy-tale endings. Instead, it offers a realistic, often bittersweet look at relationships—how they begin, how they change, and whether they are truly meant to last.

The film opens with Abigail (Ricci), a single mother in her late 30s, meeting Ben (Linklater), a charming but somewhat aimless musician, at a bar. Their conversation is playful but layered with scepticism, particularly on Abigail’s part. She is a practical woman who has been through enough in life to avoid getting swept up in idealistic romance. Ben, on the other hand, is more whimsical and open to spontaneity.

During their flirtatious exchange, they make a hypothetical list of "10 things they should do before they break up," not realising how relevant that list will become. The casual night together unexpectedly leads to Abigail becoming pregnant, forcing both of them to re-evaluate their lives and what they want from each other.

The rest of the movie follows their evolving relationship as they navigate the challenges of impending parenthood, personal insecurities, and the question of whether they are truly compatible. While they attempt to build a connection, underlying doubts and differences make it clear that love isn’t always enough to sustain a relationship.

As their time together unfolds, the film gradually answers the central question: Can love be built from circumstance, or does it require something deeper?

Abigail (Christina Ricci): Abigail is a fascinating protagonist because she defies typical rom-com heroines. She is pragmatic, emotionally guarded, and aware of the complexities of relationships. As a single mother, she is already accustomed to handling life on her own, making her sceptical of men who seem unreliable or overly idealistic.

What makes Abigail compelling is her internal conflict—she wants connection and love, but she is also fiercely independent and reluctant to make herself vulnerable. Her decision to keep the baby isn’t driven by romantic optimism but rather by her personal sense of responsibility.



Throughout the film, we see subtle shifts in Abigail. While she starts off wary of Ben, she slowly allows herself to entertain the idea of partnership, even if she remains doubtful about its long-term success. Ricci’s performance is understated but deeply expressive, conveying her character’s struggle with intimacy and trust.

Ben (Hamish Linklater): Ben serves as Abigail’s foil. He is charismatic, artistic, and more emotionally open, but he also lacks stability and direction. Unlike Abigail, who has a strong sense of purpose, Ben seems to be drifting through life, seeking connection without fully understanding what he wants.

His approach to relationships is much more romanticised, and he initially seems excited about the idea of building a family with Abigail. However, as reality sets in, it becomes clear that he is not fully prepared for the responsibilities that come with fatherhood. His charm and light-heartedness, while endearing, contrast sharply with Abigail’s realism, highlighting the fundamental differences in their worldviews.

Ben’s arc is one of gradual disillusionment. While he starts off hopeful about their relationship, he eventually realises that love alone isn’t enough to sustain them. The film doesn’t vilify him, but it does portray him as someone who struggles with the weight of real commitment.

One of the film’s central themes is the tension between romantic idealism and pragmatic reality. Abigail and Ben represent two different perspectives—Abigail, who understands love as something that requires work and compromise, and Ben, who sees love as something that should be effortless and spontaneous.

The film ultimately suggests that love alone is not always enough. While attraction and chemistry can bring people together, compatibility and shared values are what sustain a relationship. Abigail and Ben’s relationship is constantly tested by their differing views on commitment, ultimately leading to their separation.

The "10 things we should do before we break up" list serves as a metaphor for fleeting romance. It represents the idea that relationships, even those that don’t last, can still be meaningful. The list is both playful and poignant—it begins as a joke but becomes a symbolic roadmap of their time together.

Each item on the list marks a moment of connection, but it also foreshadows their eventual separation. Instead of trying to force a relationship that isn’t meant to be, the list reminds them to appreciate what they had, even if it was temporary.

Both Abigail and Ben struggle with different fears—Abigail fears getting hurt or making the wrong choice, while Ben fears being alone. Their relationship is, in many ways, a response to these fears rather than a genuine coming together of compatible souls.

The film subtly asks whether it’s better to settle for a love that is imperfect or to walk away and embrace uncertainty. Abigail ultimately chooses the latter, reinforcing her belief that relationships should be based on more than just circumstance.

Unlike many romantic films that focus solely on love, 10 Things We Should Do Before We Break Up incorporates the realities of parenthood. Abigail’s experience as a mother heavily influences her decisions, and the film does not shy away from showing the challenges that come with raising children.

Ben, in contrast, is initially excited about fatherhood but gradually realises the weight of it. His struggle highlights a common theme in relationships—how different people process responsibility and what happens when one person is more prepared for it than the other.

The film adopts a naturalistic aesthetic, with soft lighting and intimate close-ups that emphasise the emotional nuances between Abigail and Ben. The cinematography is simple yet effective, allowing the performances to take centre stage.

The film’s colour scheme reflects the subdued, melancholic tone of the story. Most scenes take place in small apartments, bars, and quiet outdoor locations, reinforcing the intimate, low-key nature of the film. The handheld camera work adds a sense of realism, making the audience feel like they are observing real conversations rather than staged performances.

10 Things We Should Do Before We Break Up is a nuanced, introspective film that subverts traditional romance tropes. Instead of offering an idealised love story, it presents a realistic portrayal of two people who, despite their best efforts, are not meant to be together.

Through its exploration of love, responsibility, and emotional growth, the film resonates with anyone who has ever faced the question of whether a relationship is worth fighting for or whether it’s better to walk away. Christina Ricci and Hamish Linklater’s performances bring depth to their characters, making their journey feel authentic and relatable. Ultimately, the film suggests that while some relationships may not last, they can still be meaningful. Love, even when temporary, has value—and sometimes, the best thing two people can do is appreciate what they had before moving on.

%wneverywhere
#film_reviews
#movie_reviews
#film_tv_reviews
#romance
#comedy