Divergence is a lovely, beautifully-photographed film written, directed and performed with an unusual level of confidence.
Rather than detail the plot, which has been covered in other comments, I'd love to share some of the details that made the movie such a pleasure:
*Haunting, captivating and mature performances by all of the lead actors. Tracy Ann Wolf's "Clare" (who I figured out 1/2 way through the movie reminds me equally of Joely Richardson and Lost's Elizabeth Mitchel) is a tragic beauty, but you can always see the light in her eyes and potential for redemption. Jakob Hawkins' "Tim" could easily become a maudlin drip, but his appeal to both "Clare" and "Heidi" is entirely believable.
*Writer/Director Patrick Donnelly refreshingly avoids clichés in crafting the secondary characters. The "Main Character's Male Best Friend" is usually presented as a clown, jerk or manipulator. As written by Donnelley and acted by Bill Hidell, "Dave" is a smart, sweet, genuine guy who one wants the best for his BFF. And even more annoying cliché is "Best Friend's Wife/Girlfriend" who is invariably presented as a joyless shrew. Jeannine Kaspar's "Jill" in her few scenes proves a this type of character can be both mature and likable. The "Other Girl" is usually shown as sickly sweet, desperate, or slutty. Marci Adilman's "Heidi" has an infectious smile, charming manner, and good heart. She's not too good, or too bad for "Tim" - just the wrong girl at the wrong time and we have confidence her true love is right around the corner.
*Well thought out details fill the movie, from "Clare's" neglected bangs, to the charm of the sea-side cottages to "Tim's" surprising physical transformation.
Divergence was an unexpected gem of a movie. Smart, subtle, full of heart and soul and arresting performances.
Rather than detail the plot, which has been covered in other comments, I'd love to share some of the details that made the movie such a pleasure:
*Haunting, captivating and mature performances by all of the lead actors. Tracy Ann Wolf's "Clare" (who I figured out 1/2 way through the movie reminds me equally of Joely Richardson and Lost's Elizabeth Mitchel) is a tragic beauty, but you can always see the light in her eyes and potential for redemption. Jakob Hawkins' "Tim" could easily become a maudlin drip, but his appeal to both "Clare" and "Heidi" is entirely believable.
*Writer/Director Patrick Donnelly refreshingly avoids clichés in crafting the secondary characters. The "Main Character's Male Best Friend" is usually presented as a clown, jerk or manipulator. As written by Donnelley and acted by Bill Hidell, "Dave" is a smart, sweet, genuine guy who one wants the best for his BFF. And even more annoying cliché is "Best Friend's Wife/Girlfriend" who is invariably presented as a joyless shrew. Jeannine Kaspar's "Jill" in her few scenes proves a this type of character can be both mature and likable. The "Other Girl" is usually shown as sickly sweet, desperate, or slutty. Marci Adilman's "Heidi" has an infectious smile, charming manner, and good heart. She's not too good, or too bad for "Tim" - just the wrong girl at the wrong time and we have confidence her true love is right around the corner.
*Well thought out details fill the movie, from "Clare's" neglected bangs, to the charm of the sea-side cottages to "Tim's" surprising physical transformation.
Divergence was an unexpected gem of a movie. Smart, subtle, full of heart and soul and arresting performances.