Spring

The film Spring, directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, follows the journey of a young man named Evan, portrayed by Lou Taylor Pucci. Initially, Evan is portrayed as living a mundane life, but it soon becomes apparent that he has hit rock bottom in various aspects of his life, both emotionally and psychologically. His experiences are a clear depiction of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), resulting from the tragic loss of his girlfriend, Lucy, to cancer. This loss weighs heavily on Evan's heart, leading him to feel lost and without purpose in his life. Faced with a crushing sense of despair, Evan decides to leave the United States, in the hopes that a change of scenery will bring about some kind of redemption or renewal. He travels to Italy, in search of the carefree and adventurous life that he had previously known before Lucy's death. It isn't long before Evan encounters a captivating and vibrant young woman, named Louise (also referred to as "Louise/Clara"), who appears in the film under two different personas. Louise/Clara, portrayed by Nadia Hilker, seems an ordinary, charming woman living in a seemingly idyllic environment near Lake Como. However, it is later revealed that this alluring woman harbors a deep, dark secret - she possesses the body of a monstrous creature, one that has been terrorizing a small community nearby. The truth behind Louise/Clara's transformation into a creature is tied to a unique, supernatural condition, where her body undergoes physical changes every time she menstruates. As the story unfolds, we discover that Louise and her male companion, Jean, are both struggling with their condition. Jean's condition, though similar, causes a different set of physical transformations in him, which Louise finds herself drawn to. The duo's struggles serve as a metaphor for the human experience of facing their own darkness and finding hope in the face of overwhelming despair. This portrayal also alludes to the struggles faced by those with mental health issues, such as Evan. The bond between Evan and Louise is a beautiful expression of their shared pain and struggles with their respective conditions. Their romance blossoms against the backdrop of the picturesque Italian landscape. The chemistry between the two leads brings out the beauty of their emotions, and the film skillfully captures the tension between Evan's need for healing and Louise's need for acceptance. The character development in Spring is rich, multidimensional, and thought-provoking. Through Evan and Louise's narratives, we see that both characters have found a sense of home, or at least a sense of belonging in each other's company. They have discovered a way to cope with their pain and find a sense of purpose, albeit in their own ways. Evan finds solace in being with Louisa, while Louisa finds comfort in the companionship of Evan and his unwavering acceptance of her monstrous condition. Justin Bieber and Aaron Moorhead, the film's writers and directors, weave the narrative so seamlessly that it leaves the viewer pondering the intricacies and the depth of Evan and Louise's connection. Their portrayal of the two struggling characters transcends the confines of conventional cinema, allowing the viewer to connect with the characters on a deeper, more emotional level. In Spring, the filmmakers explore themes that resonate deeply in our world today, including the complexities of mental health, human identity, and the struggles with one's own darker nature. The way the movie seamlessly weaves together these themes creates a cinematic experience that leaves viewers both captivated and inspired by the depth and complexity of the characters' experiences.