If this story had been well written, I'd have liked the leads together very much. Sadly, it was not well written. I'm a scifi geek and I normally can suspend disbelief and don't care about the science, nor the premise, all that much. In this case, the way this story is written, a five year old child would question the test. I agree with other reviewers that the fact that none of the film's own characters question it strains the disbelief several steps too far, particularly considering how low tech this particular method of this trope is portrayed here. Since most of the characters appear miserable (agree with 'bleak world'), it's extremely depressing and drags on so badly. I cannot imagine a GOOD reason to watch this film. Further, if a large number of people watched it together, say in a theater, I would suggest putting the group on suicide watch.
49 Reviews
Fingernails
CinemaSerf7 November 2023
No, sorry. This is just plain daft! "Anna" (Jessie Buckley) is living with "Ryan" (Jeremy Allen White) having got their certificate. What certificate? Well it's one that certifies that they are a love match! She was a teacher, but is now job hunting - so when an opportunity to work at the very facility that empowered their affection comes up, she heads straight to the office of boss "Duncan" (Luke Wilson) where she insists she would be great at "training" the couples who come to have their own relationships finessed and evaluated so they, too, can be verified. She is duly employed and paired with the inspirational and charismatic "Amir" (Riz Ahmed) - who clearly has his own secret to keep, too! What now ensues just lacks any sense of credibility and, for me, any attempts at satire just fell flat, quickly. The tests are fun, though. In a room where all are clad in just their smalls, "Rob" (Christian Meer) has to quite literally sniff out his girlfriend whilst keeping his eyes closed; another sees people charged with keeping eye contact whilst immersed in ten foot of cold water - presumably more preoccupied with not literally drowning in a sea of love! The coup-de-grasses? Well that's the crunch time when they wrench one of your fingernails - don't worry, you get to choose which one - from each person's hand then insert them into a microwave-oven looking gadget that looks like a cast-off from "Space 1999" before it announces - 0%, 50% or the dreamt for 100% - and that's bliss!. The point of all this being that it could end divorce and unhappy marriages for ever. Once in love, always in love...! Hmmm? Buckley reminds us, occasionally, that she has a fine singing voice and Ahmed is easy enough on the eye (reductive, I know - but we really don't have much else) but the story is just ridiculous, and that grown up adults would ever treat with such preposterous scenarios is just too far-fetched. It's not in anyway a comedy, and the predictable romantic elements come with way too much physical, collateral, damage. It is even almost earnest at times and after half an hour I realised why I was watching this in a cinema by myself. Nice to hear a bit of Alison Moyet on big screen sound, but that's about the height of this. He really needs to get his car window fixed, too!
Good concept but it's underwhelming.
chenp-547084 November 2023
Director Christos Nikou's previous movie "Apples" was pretty great as it's an interesting bizarre movie with some interesting directions and themes explored. Nikou's direction was solid as his directing helps to balance out certain tones and atmospheres. The camerawork, production designs and the setting is solid. The narrative is an interesting concept on the ideas of romance, science fiction, and connection and while the concept does have some interesting themes, unfortunately, the narrative felt lacking as it doesn't really take full advantage of the creativity it could take and explores concepts that weren't investing.
The performances from the cast members are great as Jessie Buckley, Riz Ahmed, Jeremy Allen White, Luke Wilson and everyone else all do a good job performing their roles. Including some pretty good dialogue between one another. But due to the lacking narrative, the characters weren't emotionally investing as the characters felt dull and uninteresting. There is some decent chemistry between the characters but they didn't feel strong or investing and the love triangle concept felt a bit forced. There are some styles and tones that felt too similar to Yorgos Lanthimos.
It's unfortunate cause this movie does have a good concept and cast but it unfortunately doesn't take full advantage of the creativity and felt lacking. Overall, it wasn't boring as there are some good concepts and performances but it feels like wasted potential.
The performances from the cast members are great as Jessie Buckley, Riz Ahmed, Jeremy Allen White, Luke Wilson and everyone else all do a good job performing their roles. Including some pretty good dialogue between one another. But due to the lacking narrative, the characters weren't emotionally investing as the characters felt dull and uninteresting. There is some decent chemistry between the characters but they didn't feel strong or investing and the love triangle concept felt a bit forced. There are some styles and tones that felt too similar to Yorgos Lanthimos.
It's unfortunate cause this movie does have a good concept and cast but it unfortunately doesn't take full advantage of the creativity and felt lacking. Overall, it wasn't boring as there are some good concepts and performances but it feels like wasted potential.
Takes more than words.
skylar12xx4 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This one is difficult to review. I loved the 3 main characters and the growth, or lack there of, between them.
I think I was annoyed. I believe love to be immeasurable, chemical maybe, a meeting between souls and those connections are allowed to swap and change.
So, throughout the film I felt that annoyance and found myself saying out loud 'it's chemistry!' and resented the concept that love is able to be tested.
However, I still found myself shedding tears when the credits rolled.
Take from that what you will. I'm sure as hell not sure why and feel a little introspection is needed.
I am sure I don't need my fingernails.
I think I was annoyed. I believe love to be immeasurable, chemical maybe, a meeting between souls and those connections are allowed to swap and change.
So, throughout the film I felt that annoyance and found myself saying out loud 'it's chemistry!' and resented the concept that love is able to be tested.
However, I still found myself shedding tears when the credits rolled.
Take from that what you will. I'm sure as hell not sure why and feel a little introspection is needed.
I am sure I don't need my fingernails.
Sufficient, only for the presence of Jessie Buckley!
verbal_6666 November 2023
Sufficient, only for the presence of Jessie Buckley, who is truly magnificent! The film is along the lines of that little masterpiece that is Perfect Sense, but much simpler, not superficial but... too simple. Let's say it could be a good episode of Black Mirror, but nothing more. The direction and acting are very good, but it's all too clear from the start. Slow film, at times soporific, but not boring, full of good intentions, but never takes flight. At least they avoided honeyed and ridiculous scenes. The plot is a little ridiculous, but perhaps it is intentional, a metaphor of how the modern generation uses technology not to help itself, but to guide its own life, entrusting its own free will to dubious scientific theses relating to the human soul, at least as the film shows them. Jessie Buckley is beautiful!!!
Very slow sci-fi on super flimsy premise.
michroberto3 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I think I may be too cynical for movies like this. The pseudo science is just so unbelievable, the pacing is very slow and the main female character seemed really off for most of the film.
The basic premise is that through our fingernails (which had to be removed for some reason), a test can determine if you and the person you are being tested with are in love. Our fingernails can in fact tell a medical doctor a few things about our health. But the idea that they can indicate love however is so far fetched. And I really don't understand why pulling the nails out painfully rather than looking at them under say a microscope was the method. Also how would our fingernails indicate which specific person we are in love with? I kept waiting for the reveal that Luke Wilson's character was actually a fraud.
I am have no issue with whimsical sci fi when done well. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind is one of my favorite films. I even enjoyed Timer, a movie with an extremely similar theme. But Timer was a lot more entertaining. It really delved into the technology and the films universe, so you understood the motivations of everyone in it. Fingernails to me just felt flat.
The basic premise is that through our fingernails (which had to be removed for some reason), a test can determine if you and the person you are being tested with are in love. Our fingernails can in fact tell a medical doctor a few things about our health. But the idea that they can indicate love however is so far fetched. And I really don't understand why pulling the nails out painfully rather than looking at them under say a microscope was the method. Also how would our fingernails indicate which specific person we are in love with? I kept waiting for the reveal that Luke Wilson's character was actually a fraud.
I am have no issue with whimsical sci fi when done well. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind is one of my favorite films. I even enjoyed Timer, a movie with an extremely similar theme. But Timer was a lot more entertaining. It really delved into the technology and the films universe, so you understood the motivations of everyone in it. Fingernails to me just felt flat.
Love Hurts, Literally
natmavila14 November 2023
"Fingernails" is a film that tries to grasp the complexities of love with a literal, and somewhat bizarre, twist. The premise of a test, requiring the sacrifice of a fingernail to determine true love, is as intriguing as it is absurd. This oddball concept, though, is the backbone of a narrative that oscillates between deep introspection and sheer melodrama.
The film shines in its portrayal of human emotions and the desperation to find and affirm love. The performances, especially by the lead actors, are commendable. They successfully navigate through a script that is at times heartfelt and at others, bordering on the ludicrous. The movie's exploration of love's multifaceted nature and the inherent loneliness in seeking its validation is thought-provoking. However, the plot meanders, often getting lost in its own philosophical musings and leaving viewers wondering if the narrative could have been tightened.
The visual storytelling in "Fingernails" is a mixed bag. Cinematography adeptly captures the sterile, clinical atmosphere of the Love Institute, juxtaposing it against the emotional turmoil of the characters. But the literal 'fingernail test' scenes are a bit too on the nose, almost comical, undermining the film's attempts at gravitas. The subplot involving Anna's relationship with Amir and the ensuing ethical and emotional dilemmas adds layers to the story but also muddles the central theme. The film's climax, intended to be a poignant resolution, feels rushed and somewhat unearned, leaving the audience with more questions than answers.
In conclusion, "Fingernails" is an ambitious film that gets points for originality but falters in execution. It's a movie that will make you think and cringe. It's not a masterpiece, but it's definitely not a nail-biter either - pun intended. For those who enjoy unconventional love stories with a touch of existential dread, this movie might just be a quirky addition to your watchlist.
The film shines in its portrayal of human emotions and the desperation to find and affirm love. The performances, especially by the lead actors, are commendable. They successfully navigate through a script that is at times heartfelt and at others, bordering on the ludicrous. The movie's exploration of love's multifaceted nature and the inherent loneliness in seeking its validation is thought-provoking. However, the plot meanders, often getting lost in its own philosophical musings and leaving viewers wondering if the narrative could have been tightened.
The visual storytelling in "Fingernails" is a mixed bag. Cinematography adeptly captures the sterile, clinical atmosphere of the Love Institute, juxtaposing it against the emotional turmoil of the characters. But the literal 'fingernail test' scenes are a bit too on the nose, almost comical, undermining the film's attempts at gravitas. The subplot involving Anna's relationship with Amir and the ensuing ethical and emotional dilemmas adds layers to the story but also muddles the central theme. The film's climax, intended to be a poignant resolution, feels rushed and somewhat unearned, leaving the audience with more questions than answers.
In conclusion, "Fingernails" is an ambitious film that gets points for originality but falters in execution. It's a movie that will make you think and cringe. It's not a masterpiece, but it's definitely not a nail-biter either - pun intended. For those who enjoy unconventional love stories with a touch of existential dread, this movie might just be a quirky addition to your watchlist.
Slow, boring and painful to watch
hankbrns4 November 2023
Fingernails started out with a pretty good premise--check your love for each other by testing an entire (painfully-removed) fingernail.
Jeremy Allen White (Lip from SHAMELESS) sleep-walks through his part in this story (not his fault, however) playing the sad, but happy, spouse.
Jessie Buckley appears to have gone to a blind chimpanzee to have her hair glued up sideways, and it never got better. The bed-head surely distracted from her appearance and acting ability.
As the story painfully progressed to the predictable conclusion, you are left asking yourself "Why didn't I stay home and floss the cat?" or "If they'd just turn down the air conditioning I could take a 90-minute nap in this building".
Jeremy Allen White (Lip from SHAMELESS) sleep-walks through his part in this story (not his fault, however) playing the sad, but happy, spouse.
Jessie Buckley appears to have gone to a blind chimpanzee to have her hair glued up sideways, and it never got better. The bed-head surely distracted from her appearance and acting ability.
As the story painfully progressed to the predictable conclusion, you are left asking yourself "Why didn't I stay home and floss the cat?" or "If they'd just turn down the air conditioning I could take a 90-minute nap in this building".
A must for Jessie Buckley fans.
Boristhemoggy7 January 2024
Yes, I watched this solely because Jessie Buckley starred. But after the disappointing damp squibs of Saltburn and Maestro I needed a decent cinema fix. And I got it.
Don't get me wrong the story of testing love by burning torn-out fingernails is a tad silly, but Buckley and Ahmed manage to bring it to life. Buckley is excellent as Anna, a girl who can't make up her mind who she loves.
For me the story was that you can find what you think is love, until you realise that perhaps it's a deep comforting sameness that you're in love with. A ritualistic familiarity that makes you feel safe. The familiar face at the end of the sofa is symbolic of home and it takes a big wrench to realise that that face doesn't make you 'want' anymore.
Along comes a handsome prince and all is lost. Because love so often comes on the back of desire. Anna found that she desired someone that she didn't love, but does love grow from desire? Without desire you simply have a best friend. With desire you have what we mostly believe of as love.
It's a complicated tale with not any easy answer. But it made for interesting viewing and was thought provoking about how we love and desire.
Don't get me wrong the story of testing love by burning torn-out fingernails is a tad silly, but Buckley and Ahmed manage to bring it to life. Buckley is excellent as Anna, a girl who can't make up her mind who she loves.
For me the story was that you can find what you think is love, until you realise that perhaps it's a deep comforting sameness that you're in love with. A ritualistic familiarity that makes you feel safe. The familiar face at the end of the sofa is symbolic of home and it takes a big wrench to realise that that face doesn't make you 'want' anymore.
Along comes a handsome prince and all is lost. Because love so often comes on the back of desire. Anna found that she desired someone that she didn't love, but does love grow from desire? Without desire you simply have a best friend. With desire you have what we mostly believe of as love.
It's a complicated tale with not any easy answer. But it made for interesting viewing and was thought provoking about how we love and desire.
Painfully slow, awfully yawn inducing
twinu896 November 2023
A painfully slow movie. I was waiting for something that would redeem it and it eventually led to a conclusion that left me concluding that the protagonist has serious mental health issues. The story telling is so bland. Only things that I liked was the production quality and cinematography.
Most of the things about the "test" and the "institute" felt awfully thought out, with nothing that hold beyond the surface. The director fails to keep things straight and I found myself questioning the premise at every 5 minutes. Writing felt lazy and it takes us for granted.
I kept checking when it is going to end from the half way point.
Most of the things about the "test" and the "institute" felt awfully thought out, with nothing that hold beyond the surface. The director fails to keep things straight and I found myself questioning the premise at every 5 minutes. Writing felt lazy and it takes us for granted.
I kept checking when it is going to end from the half way point.
Loved it
yxwpgpr11 November 2023
I generally watch anything that has Riz Ahmed in and never leave reviews but I'm really glad I watched this and was surprised to see such a low score.
I found it a calm and peaceful film but I really felt it between Anna and Amir. I enjoyed subtlety of the question of whether love is enough.
Jessie Buckley is brilliant (I've only seen her in Men up until now and she shows a totally different side in this film) and I found her heartache so easy to connect with. Riz Ahmed is as excellent as ever and brings Amir to life gently.
Don't let the scores put you off, it's definitely worth the watch.
I found it a calm and peaceful film but I really felt it between Anna and Amir. I enjoyed subtlety of the question of whether love is enough.
Jessie Buckley is brilliant (I've only seen her in Men up until now and she shows a totally different side in this film) and I found her heartache so easy to connect with. Riz Ahmed is as excellent as ever and brings Amir to life gently.
Don't let the scores put you off, it's definitely worth the watch.
This felt like a very lone episode of "Black Mirror"
mkurland6 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Anyone with a degree of empathy will have difficulty watching this because the test required to determine a couple's compatibility is literally torturous. And we get to see it. Repeatedly.
I'm not sure why we don't see any the people in this universe questioning the legitimacy of the "science" involved in the results of these tests: especially given that the presence or absence of love is made absolutely binary: either you are in love with another person or not: no room for nuance or ambiguity. And if you are considered to be in love with one person, the possibility that you might have feelings for anyone else is considered to be absolutely precluded. Despite a preponderance of evidence in terms of the on-screen chemistry of the performers (or lack thereof) which makes it patently obvious that the "Love Test" is a complete fraud... but it doesn't seem to occur to any the characters themselves.
To be fair, we do see ONE character who refuses to be tested, but not because they question the validity of the test, but because they are confident in their feelings toward their partner and don't feel a need for scientific corroboration.
In the end, the film is based upon such an absurd premise that it's hard to take it or the people embedded in it very seriously.
I'm not sure why we don't see any the people in this universe questioning the legitimacy of the "science" involved in the results of these tests: especially given that the presence or absence of love is made absolutely binary: either you are in love with another person or not: no room for nuance or ambiguity. And if you are considered to be in love with one person, the possibility that you might have feelings for anyone else is considered to be absolutely precluded. Despite a preponderance of evidence in terms of the on-screen chemistry of the performers (or lack thereof) which makes it patently obvious that the "Love Test" is a complete fraud... but it doesn't seem to occur to any the characters themselves.
To be fair, we do see ONE character who refuses to be tested, but not because they question the validity of the test, but because they are confident in their feelings toward their partner and don't feel a need for scientific corroboration.
In the end, the film is based upon such an absurd premise that it's hard to take it or the people embedded in it very seriously.
interesting idea
SnoopyStyle1 January 2024
In this world, there is a love test for couples to see if they have true love. Anna (Jessie Buckley) and Ryan (Jeremy Allen White) took the test three years ago and they passed. It's a relief. She starts working at an institute run by Duncan (Luke Wilson). They teach couples how to do better with the test. Her doubts about her relationship rises as she feels drawn to fellow teacher Amir (Riz Ahmed).
It is an interesting idea although the film is resting on that idea a little too much. It needs to get a bit more wacky and strange. For example, the pot throwing scene is fun, but they need to be playing "Unchained Melody". Better yet, somebody should be singing it... badly. As for the sniff test, everybody should be dressed up with a CPAP machine. There are ways to make this world sillier and more surreal. As for the plot, it is straight forward. It is so straight that it really loses steam before its almost two hours running time. This is too long and a bit slow. I love these three actors, but they simply run out of things to do.
It is an interesting idea although the film is resting on that idea a little too much. It needs to get a bit more wacky and strange. For example, the pot throwing scene is fun, but they need to be playing "Unchained Melody". Better yet, somebody should be singing it... badly. As for the sniff test, everybody should be dressed up with a CPAP machine. There are ways to make this world sillier and more surreal. As for the plot, it is straight forward. It is so straight that it really loses steam before its almost two hours running time. This is too long and a bit slow. I love these three actors, but they simply run out of things to do.
'Okay' Take On The Dystopia of Love
JoshuaMercott28 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
How far can technology go to help us find true love? "Fingernails" took that idea seriously and delivered an intriguing multi-layered storyline that spoke more to the human condition than our propensity to rely on tech for everything, including for the pursuit of love.
However, several parts of the movie failed to impress. Sometimes, the main characters felt like they were bored and their minds were wandering. This countered the potential romantic promise of the movie.
Jessie Buckley as Anna was a revelation, though. I have admired her acting for years and she did not disappoint in this one. As natural as it was empathic, Buckley lent her character a humanity worth watching.
Riz Ahmed as Amir and Jeremy Allen White as Ryan both did noteworthy work in "Fingernails". They were the men in Anna's life and led to her feeling conflicted about which way to turn. In a world where true love dies as soon as it is born, Anna certainly had a hard choice ahead of her before her own brief window closed.
The controversial technology at the heart of this story both thrilled and chilled me. It was at the fictional 'Love Institute' where, ironically, Anna found someone she liked (Amir) more than her current 'positive match' boyfriend Ryan.
This institute saw people undergoing relationship tests to help reduce their chances of entering an unhappy marriage, and by extension face a disastrous divorce down the line. It was all fine on paper, but then people are a little more complicated than that.
Some of the elements felt a tad unnecessary, like the nail pulling, or overly simplistic like some of the smell and French-song tests. But it made sense to an extent, considering the already strange nature of romance itself and how two people don't precisely know what drew them to each other in the first place.
About the nail pulling, I really liked the idea. It sat well with the movie's title, which revealed how a person in love experiences cardiac or blood-hormone changes that reflect, in a biological fashion, under their fingernails.
I don't know how much of that is scientifically true, but I wish they used a non-invasive method in the movie to quantify that possibility.
"Fingernails" nevertheless took an interesting approach to telling what was, to all intents and purposes, a love story. It proved that no matter what you do or how many tests you take, the heart wants what the heart wants.
However, several parts of the movie failed to impress. Sometimes, the main characters felt like they were bored and their minds were wandering. This countered the potential romantic promise of the movie.
Jessie Buckley as Anna was a revelation, though. I have admired her acting for years and she did not disappoint in this one. As natural as it was empathic, Buckley lent her character a humanity worth watching.
Riz Ahmed as Amir and Jeremy Allen White as Ryan both did noteworthy work in "Fingernails". They were the men in Anna's life and led to her feeling conflicted about which way to turn. In a world where true love dies as soon as it is born, Anna certainly had a hard choice ahead of her before her own brief window closed.
The controversial technology at the heart of this story both thrilled and chilled me. It was at the fictional 'Love Institute' where, ironically, Anna found someone she liked (Amir) more than her current 'positive match' boyfriend Ryan.
This institute saw people undergoing relationship tests to help reduce their chances of entering an unhappy marriage, and by extension face a disastrous divorce down the line. It was all fine on paper, but then people are a little more complicated than that.
Some of the elements felt a tad unnecessary, like the nail pulling, or overly simplistic like some of the smell and French-song tests. But it made sense to an extent, considering the already strange nature of romance itself and how two people don't precisely know what drew them to each other in the first place.
About the nail pulling, I really liked the idea. It sat well with the movie's title, which revealed how a person in love experiences cardiac or blood-hormone changes that reflect, in a biological fashion, under their fingernails.
I don't know how much of that is scientifically true, but I wish they used a non-invasive method in the movie to quantify that possibility.
"Fingernails" nevertheless took an interesting approach to telling what was, to all intents and purposes, a love story. It proved that no matter what you do or how many tests you take, the heart wants what the heart wants.
I cannot understand how I wasted two hours on this
maxlrosenberg5 November 2023
This was slow, painful and just pedantically awful. It was clichéd, and I've seen it done better. I'm so aggravated that I wasted two hours of my life on this movie. The only upside is that it has a somewhat decent soundtrack. Apple really missed the mark. I watched it because Jessie Buckley looked like she had a very interesting face and I've liked things that Jeremy Allen White has been in. Maybe it was Christos Nicu, who just could not direct his way out of a paper bag. It was the biggest snooze fest ever, and the payoff at the very end was nonexistent, what a bad ending. Please save yourself and don't waste your time on this movie.
Good idea good hook wrong lead actress
abwetman-1-81732810 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The premise of this scfi horror thriller. The fingernail pull is the perfect metifor for love and heartbreak.
It looks at the idea of loneliness even if it hurts
Unfortunately the lead actress is coping with a fake accent ( she is Irish) and weird makeup on her neck.
With her being in every scene the movie rides on her. The director downplays how wildly emotional please in intimate would be
It plays more as a melodrama than a fantasy
The colour pallet of chose is not well chosen. And doesn't examine what the societal ( many suicides) cost of so many people finding there relationships are doomed
I.
It looks at the idea of loneliness even if it hurts
Unfortunately the lead actress is coping with a fake accent ( she is Irish) and weird makeup on her neck.
With her being in every scene the movie rides on her. The director downplays how wildly emotional please in intimate would be
It plays more as a melodrama than a fantasy
The colour pallet of chose is not well chosen. And doesn't examine what the societal ( many suicides) cost of so many people finding there relationships are doomed
I.
trust the science ... or not
ferguson-631 October 2023
Greetings again from the darkness. Certifiable love. Trust the science. Anna and Ryan are in love and they have the certification (and sore fingers) to prove it. One minor problem is that they don't seem to have much in common, other than a love for the fatty parts of a well-cooked steak. And even this common ground leads to a certain dishonesty. Writer-director Christos Nikou and his APPLES co-writer Stavros Raptis, along with co-writer Sam Steiner, have given us a film that appears to lean heavily into science-fiction, while also poking a bit of skepticism that direction.
Most of this film didn't work for me, however, the depth that the two lead actors, Jessie Buckley (I frequently recommend WILD ROSE, 2018) and Riz Ahmed (SOUND OF METAL, 2020, and an Oscar winner for his short film THE LONG GOODBYE, 2021), bring such an intimacy and sincerity to their scenes that we can almost overlook the absurdity of the story. And maybe that's the point.
Anna (Ms. Buckley) has recently lost her job as a teacher, and when she lands the job she wants as a trainer at The Love Institute, she opts not to tell her husband Ryan (Jeremy Allen White, "Shameless"). The Love Institute is run by Duncan (Luke Wilson) and the mission is to test couples for scientific compatibility in a long-term relationship. This is done by pulling a fingernail from each and testing in a machine invented by Duncan (don't worry, he is always looking to improve it). The idea is that science can take the guesswork out of relationships and put folks at ease that they found the "right" partner.
Of course, as soon as we see Anna and Amir (Mr. Ahmed) working alongside each other, we know where this is headed. The two actors are terrific together and excel at selective gazing, while maintaining professionalism. Science, chemistry, and biology all play a role here, but the thought that folks would volunteer to have their fingernails yanked out (while biting a block of wood) is ludicrous, even if the film opens by telling us fingernails often display the first symptoms of heart issues (physical not emotional). The film is evidently supposed to prove yet again that matters of romance are beyond the scope of science, even in movies.
Opens on AppleTV+ beginning November 3, 2023.
Most of this film didn't work for me, however, the depth that the two lead actors, Jessie Buckley (I frequently recommend WILD ROSE, 2018) and Riz Ahmed (SOUND OF METAL, 2020, and an Oscar winner for his short film THE LONG GOODBYE, 2021), bring such an intimacy and sincerity to their scenes that we can almost overlook the absurdity of the story. And maybe that's the point.
Anna (Ms. Buckley) has recently lost her job as a teacher, and when she lands the job she wants as a trainer at The Love Institute, she opts not to tell her husband Ryan (Jeremy Allen White, "Shameless"). The Love Institute is run by Duncan (Luke Wilson) and the mission is to test couples for scientific compatibility in a long-term relationship. This is done by pulling a fingernail from each and testing in a machine invented by Duncan (don't worry, he is always looking to improve it). The idea is that science can take the guesswork out of relationships and put folks at ease that they found the "right" partner.
Of course, as soon as we see Anna and Amir (Mr. Ahmed) working alongside each other, we know where this is headed. The two actors are terrific together and excel at selective gazing, while maintaining professionalism. Science, chemistry, and biology all play a role here, but the thought that folks would volunteer to have their fingernails yanked out (while biting a block of wood) is ludicrous, even if the film opens by telling us fingernails often display the first symptoms of heart issues (physical not emotional). The film is evidently supposed to prove yet again that matters of romance are beyond the scope of science, even in movies.
Opens on AppleTV+ beginning November 3, 2023.
A bit sad
Portis_Charles7 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Everything in this film gives off a slight sadness: muffled rhythm, affected faces, low lights, depressed piano. Soft, featureless production.
The choice of tone could however have been different as shown by the few amusing elements in the deadpan treatment of the subject at the beginning of the film, but all this quickly fades away.
It ends with a morally dubious and somewhat cowardly conclusion that chooses to emphasize the fact that Jessie Buckley and Riz Ahmed are actually starting their relationship and leaves Buckley's husband, James Allen White, completely out of the equation. Quite unpleasant.
The choice of tone could however have been different as shown by the few amusing elements in the deadpan treatment of the subject at the beginning of the film, but all this quickly fades away.
It ends with a morally dubious and somewhat cowardly conclusion that chooses to emphasize the fact that Jessie Buckley and Riz Ahmed are actually starting their relationship and leaves Buckley's husband, James Allen White, completely out of the equation. Quite unpleasant.
Not normally my thing but.......
andy-taylor14 November 2023
Not sure why I decided to watch this, I'm normally a sci fi guy, maybe it's because it was on Apple so knew quality would be up there, maybe I though it had a science fi edge from the 'testing' , or maybe I just fancied something different.
Well I got all of that and more. Jessie Buckley absolutely delivered a superb, real and emotional performance....i could feel every tug on heartstrings I didn't know I had anymore. Great performances from all 3 leads, but Jessie....just wow, I really hope this launches her career to bigger things, she deserves it after that.
Oh and the music was superb.....well done production team.
Well I got all of that and more. Jessie Buckley absolutely delivered a superb, real and emotional performance....i could feel every tug on heartstrings I didn't know I had anymore. Great performances from all 3 leads, but Jessie....just wow, I really hope this launches her career to bigger things, she deserves it after that.
Oh and the music was superb.....well done production team.
Dull and painful to watch...
jessybessy-at5 November 2023
I had really hard time watching this movie. I am very visual and pay attention to things, that usually might not be a bother to other people. The colors and the mood were dull and depressing to experience. Together with the story which develops slow and monotonous, it was a real dread to watch. In the end disappointingly enough we are left with no aha moment, no new vision for love and relationships. And on top of all the main actress had a bad hair day for every day of the days in the script. It was just! So! Painful! To watch! I almost quit watching because of this before we even got to the middle of it. But decided to stick with it. Well for me - not worthy. I still don't know what the message was. That love is hard? That love goes mysterious ways? That we love who we love, no matter what science tells us? Nothing we don't already know, only told in a dull, slow and painful way, as if the only aim of the movie was to emphasize one more time on the hardships of love, as if we do not know that yet?!
Pointless, downbeat, sluggish quirky drama that disappointly wastes a fine cast
danieljfarthing19 November 2023
In well-cast but quirky, downbeat & sluggish drama "Fingernails" Jessie Buckley & Riz Ahmed work at Luke Wilson's institute giving couples intimacy lessons and scientifically testing their torn off fingernails (!) to see if they're 'really' in love - as Buckley & bf Jeremy Allen White apparently are... but are they, really? Writer / director Christos Nikou interestingly bases his first English language film in a strangely backwards seventies / eighties world (where everything (but the music) is a bit rubbish - like in "Wristcutters: A Love Story") but what meaning he's ultimately aiming for is wholly unclear... making it a disappointingly pointless waste of some top acting talent.
A Don't Watch
ahosak5 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This movie feels like trudging through pudding. Every moment is weighted down with unnecessary glances and so many dramatic pauses and staring off into space.
From the ridiculous test required to see if you are truly in love to the skydiving over wooded areas every thing about this film proves implausible.
I find it hard to forgive these actors making a movie like this where I sat for two hours waiting for something to actually happen. Eventually, I just didn't care about anyone.
By the end, I wanted to take a Time Machine back to the original set and drop a bomb on it so none of these people could ever make another movie.
From the ridiculous test required to see if you are truly in love to the skydiving over wooded areas every thing about this film proves implausible.
I find it hard to forgive these actors making a movie like this where I sat for two hours waiting for something to actually happen. Eventually, I just didn't care about anyone.
By the end, I wanted to take a Time Machine back to the original set and drop a bomb on it so none of these people could ever make another movie.
It's just watchable because of Jessie Buckley
thiwankar19 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I might be a bit biased because I love Jessie Buckley. But I didn't like her character here, because it felt like she was a bit out of sorts and deceitful. I liked the character, Ryan; I didn't know what was wrong with him or with them that made her wanted to be with Amir, and I just didn't get the whole thing. It just felt like this cliche thing romantic movies try to show teenage girls, but life is not really a fairytale, it can just be just routine. If you just don't like it, it might be time for you to move on, without wasting someone else's time by lying and being deceitful. I don't think you'd need a test for that, or two for that matter.
Trust your feelings...
George12068311 November 2023
It is sad to realise that we have stopped to trust our instincts and rely on technology or what society considers as a rule. This film reminds us that love is a unique feeling and we should not rely on anything else than our heart.
Unfortunately, I am pretty sure that if this test was real, the majority of us would prefer to do this painful process just to ensure that have chosen the right person.
Great movie, great acting and a story about love in a strange but extremely beautiful way.
Jessie Buckley is brilliant and the chemistry between her and Riz Ahmed is something that you feel from the first moment they met. As should be done with love from first sight..
Unfortunately, I am pretty sure that if this test was real, the majority of us would prefer to do this painful process just to ensure that have chosen the right person.
Great movie, great acting and a story about love in a strange but extremely beautiful way.
Jessie Buckley is brilliant and the chemistry between her and Riz Ahmed is something that you feel from the first moment they met. As should be done with love from first sight..
A Total Waste of Time
foldy24 November 2023
Boring, underwhelming, low in production value and uninspiring, it amazes me that Cate Blanchett signed on to produce this dud.
While Jessie Buckley and Jeremy Allen White have great screen presence, we're expected to believe that she would walk away from her solid relationship with White to fall for the dull as dishwater Riz Ahmed, who is totally one note in this film.
Buckley and Ahmed have zero chemistry and the entire premise of this film is basically ridiculous. I know how hard it is to make a movie and I wish I could say something positive about this one - but it's hard. Okay, Luke Wilson shows up for a few scenes and he doesn't suck. Christian Meer and Amanda Arcuri shine in small supporting roles, and the film has a great soundtrack.
I can't believe they are submitting this for award consideration. Maybe an award for the worst film of the year?
Listen to the music but skip this waste of time.
While Jessie Buckley and Jeremy Allen White have great screen presence, we're expected to believe that she would walk away from her solid relationship with White to fall for the dull as dishwater Riz Ahmed, who is totally one note in this film.
Buckley and Ahmed have zero chemistry and the entire premise of this film is basically ridiculous. I know how hard it is to make a movie and I wish I could say something positive about this one - but it's hard. Okay, Luke Wilson shows up for a few scenes and he doesn't suck. Christian Meer and Amanda Arcuri shine in small supporting roles, and the film has a great soundtrack.
I can't believe they are submitting this for award consideration. Maybe an award for the worst film of the year?
Listen to the music but skip this waste of time.
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