Newly Single (2017) User Reviews

Unlikable but watchable

[Warrenreviews · 5/10 · 30 October 2018]

It was well directed for a LA low budget indie but a weak script and extremely unlikable lead character sink this one.

True utter garbage,

[djmattn · 1/10 · 24 October 2020]

From the trite opening start of the movie trying to be clever, and his sardonic manner throughout the movie his just deserts were rewarded in the end. What a La La Land narcissistic putz. I was really hoping a bus would run him over at the end. That would have been fitting.

Nice package

[cekadah · 7/10 · 25 May 2019]

Director: Adam Christian Clark, Writer: Adam Christian Clark, Stars: Adam Christian Clark and he knows how to present himself in the best light with this film.

First I must say this is not a bad movie even though at movies end you are left feeling something important has been left out of the plot! This film begins as it ends. Astor is a jogger, he is jogging at stories start and jogging at stories end. But he is jogging in the street with traffic. He could be smashed at any moment. He uses people almost in the same manner. He navigates a course into their lives and dares them to run him down.

What is Adam Christian Clark trying to say in this story?

I dig this voice

[qfgjprb · 9/10 · 18 July 2022]

I went and watched this today because I saw Diary of a Spy and thought it was slow but original, in a way I kind of liked. This film is even way better. Maybe I'm not in the know, but I'm surprised this guy is not bigger than he is. He has a super original voice that feels really refreshing right now. This is a super unlikable character and it's clearly intentionally that way, but at the same time it feels really bold because it's kind of like how a lot of guys really are in this day and age. This movie is not going to make you feel good, but it's going to make you think, a lot, and that seems to be the point.

Daring psychological portrait of modern "post-love"

[helenaobadr · 10/10 · 25 January 2022]

Newly Single intrigues me. It's the kind of movie I could watch again with a friend just to talk about other perspectives. The characters are human to the point you can feel them. The loneliness, but also selfishness, the pain, the hope, and the struggle. Daring acting. Beautiful photography. Dark comedy and hidden criticism. Love it. It left me longing for Newly Single 2.

Raw and Original

[joewilliamschau · 10/10 · 9 November 2018]

A bold look at relationships, and being single. Solid performances, and a script that feels a bit too real at times, in a good but often difficult way. This movie is not Hollywood traditional, but it's also very well constructed. I would recommend this to anyone who's wanting to be a bit challenged by a film.

The Intertextuality of "Newly Single" and Its Cinematic Influences

[mordikaibrownle · 10/10 · 7 April 2024]

"Newly Single" is a rich study in intertextuality, drawing upon a myriad of cinematic influences to craft a narrative that is both homage and innovation. The film's allusions to the works of the French New Wave, with their emphasis on existential themes and character-driven storytelling, are evident in the director's stylistic choices. The protagonist's journey, reminiscent of the f lâneur in literature, is reimagined within the context of contemporary Los Angeles, offering a unique fusion of European cinematic sensibilities with American cultural narratives. The film's engagement with genre conventions, oscillating between romantic comedy and drama, serves to subvert audience expectations, creating a narrative that defies easy categorization. Through its nuanced engagement with its cinematic predecessors, "Newly Single" emerges as a dialogue with the history of film, inviting the viewer to engage in a deeper appreciation of the art form.

Post-Modern Identity

[kimberlynnittinger · 10/10 · 7 April 2024]

Newly Single presents an incisive examination of post-modern identity through the lens of romantic disentanglement. The film adeptly captures the zeitgeist of contemporary society, where the self is often defined in relation to others, and independence is both celebrated and feared. The protagonist's quest for self-definition, set against the backdrop of a culture obsessed with personal branding and social media, reflects the paradoxes of modern selfhood.

The director's use of reflexivity, inviting the audience to question the nature of narrative and reality, enhances the film's post-modern sensibility. The film's engagement with themes of performative identity and the curated self offers a critical perspective on the ways in which individuals navigate the complexities of public and private personas. "Newly Single" thus serves as a poignant exploration of the fragmented self in the digital era.

"Newly Single" as a Cinematic Study of Emotional Dislocation

[judahdunderman · 10/10 · 7 April 2024]

"Newly Single" offers a compelling cinematic study of emotional dislocation in the context of contemporary urban life. The film's protagonist, adrift in the sea of fleeting connections, epitomizes the modern individual's struggle for authentic engagement in an increasingly superficial social landscape. The director's strategic use of mise-en-scène, particularly the juxtaposition of the protagonist's physical environments with his internal turmoil, serves to amplify the themes of isolation and existential angst. The film employs a narrative ambiguity that challenges the viewer to question the reliability of the protagonist's perspective, a technique that adds depth to the film's exploration of identity and reality. The use of handheld camera work not only enhances the sense of immediacy and intimacy but also symbolizes the instability and unpredictability of the protagonist's emotional state. The film's score, minimalist yet evocative, complements the narrative's contemplative tone, weaving a sonic tapestry that underscores the protagonist's solitude. "Newly Single" thus emerges as a nuanced meditation on the dissonance between the human longing for connection and the reality of emotional detachment in the digital age.

exceeded my expectations

[brynnbayerl · 10/10 · 7 April 2024]

Newly Single totally exceeded my expectations. Going in, I thought it would be just another dating movie, but it's so much more. It's a deep dive into what it means to be single in today's world, with all its complexities and awkward moments. The film is brilliantly put together, with scenes that'll make you laugh out loud and others that'll hit you right in the feels. The indie aesthetic of the movie is a breath of fresh air compared to the usual polished films we get. And the way it ends leaves you with so much to think about. It's a film that stays with you, and I can't recommend it enough.

it's a whole vibe

[christinafaykosh · 10/10 · 7 April 2024]

So Newly Single is a whole vibe. It captures the single life in a way that's both funny and kinda sad. The story of navigating through the dating scene after a breakup is something a lot of us can relate to. There were parts where the pacing felt off, like it was just dragging, but then it would hit you with these super real moments. The film's got a unique style that sets it apart from the usual stuff out there. The way it ended had me sitting there just thinking, which doesn't happen often with movies. If you're looking for something that's a bit different but still hits home, "Newly Single" could be it.

A Reflection on Narrative Structure and Character Arc

[lanschoelman · 10/10 · 7 April 2024]

Newly Single is a fascinating reflection on the use of narrative structure and character arc in the portrayal of personal transformation. The film's non-linear narrative serves as a metaphor for the disjointed nature of memory and perception, particularly in the aftermath of emotional trauma. The protagonist's character arc, marked by a series of epiphanies and setbacks, is rendered with a complexity that eschews conventional narrative resolutions. The director's choice to foreground the interiority of the protagonist, through both visual and auditory techniques, allows for a rich exploration of the subjective experience of healing. The interplay between diegetic and non-diegetic elements in the film blurs the lines between the protagonist's inner and outer worlds, creating a tapestry of reality that is both fragmented and cohesive. The film's dialogue, replete with philosophical undertones, invites the audience to engage in a deeper contemplation of the themes presented. "Newly Single" thus stands as a testament to the power of cinema to explore the multifaceted nature of human emotion and resilience.

The Liminal Space of "Newly Single"

[codysoucier · 10/10 · 7 April 2024]

"Newly Single" occupies a liminal space within the cinematic exploration of love, loneliness, and the quest for self-identity. The film's protagonist, navigating the tumultuous waters of post breakup existence, embodies the archetypal 'everyman' plunged into the existential void of modernity. The director's utilization of close-ups and long takes serves to create an intimate portrait of vulnerability, inviting the audience to partake in the protagonist's introspective journey. The narrative's pacing, deliberately slow, mirrors the often painstaking process of self reconstruction following the dissolution of a significant relationship. The film's dialogue oscillates between the banal and the profound, reflecting the duality of human experience. The mise-en-scène, with its emphasis on the stark, urban landscapes, symbolizes the protagonist's internal desolation. Through its exploration of the themes of alienation and rebirth, "Newly Single" contributes to the broader cinematic discourse on the human condition in the digital era.

hit close to home

[birdieloescher · 10/10 · 7 April 2024]

Jumped into Newly Single last night, and dang, it really hit close to home. It's all about the chaos of dating, and honestly, it's way too relatable. The main character's journey through the ups and downs of single life was super engaging. Some parts were a bit slow for my taste, had me scrolling through my phone, but then there were these moments that just grabbed me. It's got this raw, real vibe that's kinda rare in movies these days. Ended feeling a mix of sad and hopeful, which was unexpected but cool. If you're into movies that feel like they're talking about your own life, "Newly Single" is def worth a watch.

Deconstruction of Romantic Ideals

[denishamessick · 10/10 · 7 April 2024]

In Newly Single, the director deconstructs traditional romantic ideals, presenting a narrative that is both a critique and a lamentation of contemporary love. The protagonist's odyssey through the world of dating serves as a canvas upon which the film paints a broader critique of the commodification of romance. The use of irony and satire, particularly in the depiction of dating app culture, serves to underscore the absurdities inherent in the quest for love in the digital age. The film's exploration of the theme of authenticity, both in self-representation and in interpersonal connections, challenges the viewer to reconsider the nature of intimacy. The narrative's refusal to conform to romantic clichés, instead presenting a more nuanced, albeit disillusioned, perspective on love, marks "Newly Single" as a significant contribution to the discourse on modern relationships.

Aesthetics of Urban Alienation

[celenakraut · 10/10 · 7 April 2024]

"Newly Single" masterfully employs the aesthetics of urban alienation to underscore the protagonist's emotional journey. The film's setting, a sprawling metropolis, becomes a character in its own right, reflecting the protagonist's sense of disconnection and anonymity. The use of lighting, particularly the stark contrast between the harshness of daylight and the solitude of nighttime, serves to highlight the protagonist's fluctuating states of mind. The director's adept manipulation of space, using architecture and urban landscapes to symbolize the barriers to genuine human connection, adds a layer of visual symbolism to the narrative. The film's editing, with its rhythmic pacing, mirrors the ebb and flow of the protagonist's encounters and experiences. Through its visual and thematic exploration of urban alienation, "Newly Single" offers a poignant commentary on the challenges of forging meaningful relationships in the face of societal detachment.

"Newly Single": A Critique Wrapped in a Romantic Comedy

[sonladuke · 10/10 · 7 April 2024]

"Newly Single" adeptly uses the framework of a romantic comedy to deliver a biting critique of contemporary relationship dynamics. The film, through its portrayal of the protagonist's myriad encounters, offers a satirical look at the commodification of romance and the performative nature of dating. The narrative's oscillation between humor and pathos serves to highlight the inherent contradictions in the pursuit of romantic fulfillment. The director's incorporation of meta-cinematic elements, such as direct addresses to the audience and self-referential humor, serves to disrupt the traditional romantic comedy formula, imbuing the film with a layer of complexity. The film's resolution, or lack thereof, challenges the conventional narrative arc of romantic comedies, instead offering a more ambiguous, and perhaps more realistic, depiction of love and self-discovery. "Newly Single" thus emerges as a clever subversion of genre expectations, offering a reflective and critical take on the myths of modern love.