I Can't Think Straight (2008) User Reviews

But some of my best friends are Lebanese!

[lastliberal · 7/10 · 14 March 2010]

The absolutely gorgeous Indian actress Lisa Ray (Vancouver critics named her Best Actress for Water) plays Tala, an upper class Jordanian of Palestinian origin, whose family lives in London, and who is about to get married.

She meets Leyla, played by Sheetal Sheth, the first Indian-American actress to appear in Maxim. She plays an Indian Muslim who also lives in London.

Clearly, the casting of the leads is meant to appeal to audiences that wouldn't normally watch a lesbian film, even one that is billed as a romantic comedy. They are both accomplished actresses, but they are also very attractive.

Not only do we get a film about becoming aware of one's sexual identity, but one about Arabs and Jews, Christians and Muslims, and, most importantly, family and acceptance.

Leyla tells her parents that she is gay. Her mother flips out, but her father is extremely supportive. Tala calls off, what is it her 5th, wedding, but does not immediately tell why. The family is used to her changing her mind at the last minute.

When she does, the maid (Nina Wadia) does a little dance, as the mother treats her so badly that she spits in her antacid when she brings it.

You knew how it was going to end, but the journey was a real pleasure.

It's PG-13, so there won't be any nudity, just kissing and touching.

Sweet film but glosses over some serious issues

[paoneillster · 6/10 · 12 February 2022]

This film is light hearted and visually appealing. Though the dialogue could have been better, it was a good attempt. Sadly, women from such cultures often pay a heavy price for being true to themselves. I didn't think the family's reactions were realistic. Some families disown their kids and even punish them with honor killings, even in the West.

A lighthearted movie with real substance

[DeciusCaius · 9/10 · 26 October 2008]

I recently saw this movie screened at USC. Since I was going for extra credit in a gender studies class, I expected it to be awful. I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. The only issue I had with it was an awkward transition from Tala's engagement party to the first scene with Leyla. Overall, the movie was very entertaining, with well developed characters and plot, while at the same time dealing with the issues lesbians face in different cultures in a very effective manner. I strongly recommend this movie to anyone with an open mind and a sense of humor.

9/10.

OK story with a message that gets through, but terrible chemistry

[onebar22 · 6/10 · 23 May 2009]

This film has a story to tell, I just feel it's not told as completely as it could be. The coming out story and the events that follow from that moment are something you don't see in other coming out films - perhaps it's needed in this film because of the complexity of the cultural backgrounds of the two protagonists.

I like I Can't Think Straight for that exact reason, it goes further than most coming out stories, focusing on the two cultures and what Tala and Leyla go through both coming from such 'face' cultures.

I don't quite think it was the acting quality that lets this movie down, but the lack of chemistry between the actors. When one actor is on cue, the other in the scene is off, and so on.

I think it also could've been improved if it focused a little more on the political/cultural backgrounds of both. Unless you're familiar with such cultures and have grasp of the taboos you can't begin to understand why this is such a powerful coming out story.

Keep it in context

[indyscio · 8/10 · 29 March 2009]

This movie, if you have watched "The Making Of I Can't Think Straight," is autobiographical.

It is based upon a true story of Shamim Sarif's life, or at least a part of it.

In doing that, do you expect her to be politically correct or present it the way it was? I prefer the latter It's how it was for her and her partner, not how it should be in a perfect world. For a first time director, I think she did a good job. It's not a great movie, but it is entertaining. You can't deny the chemistry between the two main characters, either.

Abysmal, superficial and superfluous piece of *%$#+@ (I mean, time waste)!

[Theodor16 · 1/10 · 16 April 2009]

I have one procedure with movies: they get 30 minutes of good will to prove that they are worth watching. With some films, when I'm not quite sure, this "probation" time is prolonged to 45 minutes.

So, I'll tell you what: "I Can't Think Straight" had me bored to tears in 20 minutes! The screenplay is dull and highly predictable, so don't expect any surprises. But it gets worse: the performance of the two main leads was gruesome. The question is not whether they should join acting classes - but whether they would be admitted.

What remains? Here are my recommendations: spend your time with something useful, maybe an evening walk with your partner in this early, mild spring, or watch an excellent lesbian movie like "Fingersmith", but not THIS movie.

nice concept, poor elaboration

[appelbanaananas · 4/10 · 10 September 2012]

MMm, what to say I did not enjoy this movie as much I thought I would. The plot seems interesting, an Arabian and an Indian Muslim girl falling in love, both very beautiful. However, the result is in my opinion a huge let-down. First of all, the acting OMG the acting is so bad maybe this is also due to the fact that the sound had to be dubbed (someone stole the sound recordings or something like that). The dubbing kind of gives the movie a cheap feel. Secondly, there is almost no development in the characters. they are so flat. Thirdly, there is no chemistry between the main female characters at all.

So, huge disappointment. Watch "kyss mig" much better and same kind of plot or even "imagine you and me"

Are these women acting?

[benbree · 19 August 2011]

Wow! This is a great movie. I felt the actors were actually having this relationship. They dealt with conflict, misunderstanding, and love as if it was something they actually shared. While the premise was a lesbian relationship, this could happen to anyone.

Lisa Ray and Sheetal Sheth are also very attractive women. This physical attraction made me feel that this movie was more than a movie. I felt that perhaps the story shared on the screen was true. That is, it actually happened between these two women. I enjoyed this movie. I would watch any future films featuring either of these actors. I suggest folks seek movies with either of these performers.

Crappy!!

[riteron · 1/10 · 25 November 2009]

Having learnt of the author, I started reading her blogs which was very interesting. It got me thinking about wanting to read her books. But, me being me!! LAZY... decided to watch the film instead. And was I disappointed? And how. Well, there is nothing more to this film than what the posters have to offer. Sheer EYE CANDY. That is it!! My regards to the ever so beautiful Lisa Ray and also Sheetal Seth. An issue of being gay in sensitive religious families, as the director felt it should be portrayed seems to look very unimportant. The passionate scenes in the film, is far from being romantic. Expected a lot more romance from a director who is herself gay. Shamim, if you yourself do ever read this, do write to me and I will assist you in making better films.

my email id: [e-mail]

Awesome film!

[little_miss_dolphin8 · 10/10 · 27 May 2009]

Amazing. I loved it so much. The two main actresses were fantastic, very talented young women. The chemistry between the two of them was phenomenal. The suspense they created just held you right there, watching the film and unable to turn away. Moving from Jordan to England, the settings created a background to an incredibly unique film not only about coming out but also about religion, family and culture. It was pretty much just a wonderfully unique film, that gave an entirely new perspective on things and that should be applauded over and over again. The characters were hilarious- all of them. From the maid, to sisters to boyfriends and parents, all the characters complemented each other perfectly and the entire film had me laughing and crying the entire time. Absolutely fantastic!!

Waste of a good story

[Sexy-scientist · 3/10 · 31 December 2014]

Only one thing which was right for this movie was its story. Except that, everything was crap. Terrible screenplay. It could have been much better in the same budget. Many scenes don't seem realistic to me, eg. Tala and Leyla first meeting scene, tennis court scene, and changing room scene after the tennis court one. Terrible acting, or I should say actors are not pushed enough making it to immature direction. They could have been asked to give a retake. Characters are not developed well. Viewer is not able to feel for the character. Music was crap. It was unable to present the emotion of the scenes. Background score is over dramatic. Editing is clumsy. Overall, it is better to skip it, not worth of your hour and a half.

Gorgeous, funny and sexy.

[ninamarcelino · 9/10 · 12 May 2012]

I have always thought this movie would be funny and quirky, and it is. I loved the way they put comedic scenes in certain parts without being inappropriate. I loved it even more because in so many ways, I also find it extremely sexy (unlike the many other lesbian films that needed to show pure nudity). Although it might be one of the many I'm-gonna-marry-but-I- fell-in-love-with-another story, it hit off just right. 'Cause it did not just focus about that, but having to come up to your parents. It is about standing for who you are and for the one you love.

Such a good love movie.

A must-watch. Lisa (Tala) and Sheetal (Leyla) are both so bloody gorgeous I think I am a pebble - or less than.

Highly Enjoyable Love Story

[christianhh · 10/10 · 28 September 2012]

If this were simply a story about your average, every day, star crossed lovers, one might describe it as a "chick flick". It is a romance with some comedic elements, but I doubt it can honestly be called a "romantic comedy". Instead, it is a rather simple love story that, toward the end, threatens to leave the viewer hanging. The characterizations by the two lead actresses is stunning and highly believable. They do not play their roles over the top, but in a somewhat subdued manner that is consistent with the behavior of women from their respective cultures. Even so, Tala (played by Lisa Ray) is something of a maverick in her opinions, outlook and something of a problem for her family even before she meets Layla. I fell in love with both the characters early in the film and they took me on an enjoyable ride.

Really Amazing

[realisimone · 6 August 2015]

I can't think straight is an exciting comedy, telling the story of two girls in love. The movie is in each part unexpected and surprising. There are a lot of twists that leave the spectator astonished. The history of love telling about the 2 protagonists is romantic, sexy, and heart-warming, Is also very compelling and put the spectator in the shoes of the protagonist let him hope in an happy end. Lisa Ray is playing the part of the predator ( the opposite of the world Unseen) and I have to say that her interpretation is fantastic, and that the part she plays suit to her perfectly. Curious is the personal relationship between Tala and her parents, the mother plays the role of hypocrisy and selfishness thinking what is better for the image of the family whereas the father is more focused on daughter. The Role of Leyla is really curious too, Sheetal Sheth is perfectly representing her character. I suggest absolutely to see this film for have a relaxing and exciting break from the ordinary life.

Heads over heals for this

[Woman_it_up · 10/10 · 25 June 2020]

I know some people don't think highly of the movie, but... This is a movie containing a lot of representation. It shows LGBT, biracial, bi-cultural conflict. And it doesn't stop there, it seams to me that the writer have poured all her heart into it, so it feels cozy to watch. It feels magical. I am not a person who reread or re watch, but this movie was an exception. I have watched it 4 times, and read the book, but I still feel giddy about it.

brilliant soothing love drama

[paragpardhi-43936 · 10/10 · 19 January 2021]

Full of cuteness, innocence and simplicity in love, must watch for the modern society, accidental actors like lisa ray give brilliant piece of artwork

"Nice" but the potential isn't really realised due to a clunky script and some wooden performances

[bob the moo · 22 November 2009]

While I'm sure that the vast majority of male viewers of this film will have come to it because of how easy on the eye the two lead actresses are, but for me I came to it because I had heard that it was a quite charming little film about culture clashes and coming out. From the outset there is certainly a degree of charm that comes with the rather glossy sheen on the total production and certainly the performances are mostly geared towards "light" material rather than anything too complex. It also, having an autobiographical content, comes over as warmly sympathetic to the two protagonists – a feeling that it easily allows the viewer to share. However, none of this is enough to make it as good as it could have been, mainly because of the problems with the material.

The film is very short and this combines with some awful dialogue to make everything feel very superficial. While some of the scenes between Tala and Leyla are touching and intimate, some of them have all the subtly and realism of set-up dialogue in a p0rn film. Leyla is well done as more reserved and laid back but Tala is too forward and rushed, making everything happen suddenly without any indication that either of the two women are having any sort of inner though process at all. I was surprised because I had heard some good things about it but at times I was half expecting one of the characters to start saying things like "oh, my, look my shirt has come undone" and other clunky lines – truth be told it is sometimes not far from that.

This does really hurt the film but not alone – "helping" it alone is also a lack of real development in the characters and situations themselves. Everything is little more than words and I never got the sense of much below the surface – again surprising since the film is supposed to be based on the maker's real life experiences. Perhaps because of this, the performances tend towards being a bit wooden and really only manage to do more because of the performers themselves. Sheth is probably the stronger of the lead two because she has the most vulnerability to her character and is on the most interesting journey; she does this well. Ray is not so good. Her performance plays thinks too strong and confident and there is no discovery to her, no small steps and no real sign of anything going on below the surface. Together they make a very attractive couple but their performances and their dialogue limits their chemistry. The supporting cast are mostly pretty stiff and unconvincing, hurting the narrative but also fudging the occasional attempts at humour.

Overall I Can't Think Straight is a nice idea that is done with a certain amount of charm, but not enough to cover the problems with it. The lack of depth and complexity (even in basic ways) are what hurts it because it turns what could have been an interesting and touching film into one that is overwhelmingly superficial in its design and delivery. Still a nice film but could and could have been so much more.

Beautiful and Sweet

[nanami_touko · 10/10 · 16 April 2021]

Both of the actresses were amazing. It felt as if they were really in love with each other! Plot was simple ans educational. Definitely a movie to watch on holidays or to fresh your mind.

Wonderful film that defies stereotypes

[dshannon1042 · 8/10 · 12 November 2023]

"I Can't Think Straight" is a delightful and heartwarming romantic comedy that not only defies stereotypes but also celebrates the complexities of love. Directed by Shamim Sarif, the film unfolds with a perfect blend of humor, romance, and cultural nuance.

The narrative revolves around the unexpected connection between Tala, a Jordanian woman from a privileged background, and Leyla, a British Indian woman navigating her own cultural and personal challenges. The film's strength lies in its ability to weave a charming love story while addressing cultural expectations and societal norms.

The script, penned by Shamim Sarif, is a standout feature. It cleverly combines humor and genuine emotion, allowing the audience to connect with the characters on a personal level. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and culturally relevant, providing both depth and levity to the storyline. Sarif's direction ensures that the film maintains a light-hearted tone without sacrificing the exploration of more profound themes.

Lisa Ray, who portrays Tala, and Sheetal Sheth, who plays Leyla, deliver outstanding performances. Their on-screen chemistry is electric, capturing the essence of a blossoming romance with authenticity. The supporting cast also shines, adding layers of humor and depth to the narrative. The ensemble's collective energy contributes to the film's overall charm.

"I Can't Think Straight" not only challenges traditional notions of love but also embraces diversity in a refreshing and inclusive manner. The film's portrayal of cultural clashes and personal struggles adds a layer of authenticity, making it more than just a romantic comedy. It becomes a celebration of love in all its forms, transcending cultural boundaries.

Visually, the film is a treat, with vibrant cinematography that complements the romantic storyline. The use of color and framing enhances the film's overall aesthetic, creating a visually engaging experience. The soundtrack, featuring a mix of cultural influences, further elevates the emotional impact of key moments.

As a pioneer in LGBTQ+ cinema, "I Can't Think Straight" is not only entertaining but also holds cultural significance. It contributes to a more diverse representation of love stories on screen, breaking away from stereotypes and offering a narrative that resonates with a broad audience. A decade after its release, the film continues to be a source of joy and inspiration, reminding viewers of the universality of love and the power of embracing one's true self.

Best lesbian foreign film

[jessicagrace-13884 · 8/10 · 30 July 2023]

Quirky. Funny. Beautifully written and executed. The chemistry between the cast was enticing and electrifying. The script was good. It was funny and cute, and the playout of events felt natural and unscripted. Very nice character development. I likes the ball cap. The relationship felt believable. I liked the cultural jokes and references. It was tasteful and appropriate. I loved the side characters parts and the comedic relief. Beautiful imagery and beautiful sights and scenes throughout. The music was nice and fit the scenes. A bit cliche at times, but one must move the story forward with some reasonable speed.

I appreciated this movie and would love to see more like it in the future.

Compelling thought provoking Movie

[unomeyetudont · 5 October 2012]

Out of many movies made on the theme of lesbianism, this stands out as one of the best..

It compels the viewers to think what after all is so very wrong with lesbianism,, what is so unpardonable in companionship and romantic relation between two grown up ladies.. Isn't physical contact between a male and a female about mutual satisfaction and procreation.. The present day society does not look with cynicism the capable couples who choose adaption to procreation .. In fact the society now encourages it and praises it..

The issue of course may not be so simple.. The importance of social and religious values have to be respected.. But love, as everybody agrees, is much more than sex..

The more famed Lisa Ray as Tala is definitely gorgeous.. But Sheetal Seth as Leyla is much more impressive .. Acting by both is good.. Intimate scenes by the ladies are well filmed and not overdone .. The emotional scenes are great.. the religious issues can hardly be handled properly, in a limited movie that is mainly meant to emphasize the relevance of woman-woman relation.. Photography is good.. Dialogues could have been better..

A must see for all people who either advocate or resent such relation..

Easily one of my favorite sapphic film

[pbpetel · 10/10 · 10 December 2023]

"Immersing viewers in a beautifully crafted world of love and self-discovery, 'I Can't Think Straight' emerges as a truly remarkable sapphic film that defies conventions and leaves an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape. With its timely exploration of the complex dynamics between Palestine and Israel, the film fearlessly tackles a subject matter often shied away from in mainstream storytelling.

From the opening frames, it becomes apparent that 'I Can't Think Straight' is a cinematic gem that stands ahead of its time. The narrative gracefully weaves together the lives of two remarkable women, navigating their cultural differences and grappling with their own identities. Their journey unfolds with a delicate balance of tenderness, humor, and poignancy, capturing the essence of their emotional awakening.

What sets this film apart is its courageous inclusion of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, infusing the story with a layer of socio-political relevance that elevates it beyond a mere love story. By grounding the characters' experiences within this complex backdrop, 'I Can't Think Straight' not only humanizes the conflicting perspectives but also showcases the transformative power of love and understanding in the face of adversity.

The chemistry between the leads is electric, breathing life into their characters and igniting the screen with palpable intensity. Their performances are nuanced, capturing the essence of their respective journeys with authenticity and emotional depth. The supporting cast also deserves praise for their contributions, adding further layers to the intricate tapestry of relationships.

Visually, the film is a treat for the eyes, with its vibrant color palette and picturesque locations. The cinematography expertly captures the essence of each scene, immersing the audience in the characters' world and allowing us to experience their joys and sorrows firsthand. The skillful direction and meticulous attention to detail further enhance the film's impact, ensuring a seamless flow from start to finish.

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its ability to strike a delicate balance between its serious undertones and moments of sheer joy. While exploring themes of cultural and sexual identity, 'I Can't Think Straight' manages to deliver a heartwarming and uplifting narrative.