If you enjoyed ‘Materialists,’ it’s time to delve into Chris Evans’ directorial debut, ‘Before We Go.’ This film offers a unique blend of romance and introspection, showcasing Evans’ talents both in front of and behind the camera.
If You Loved ‘Materialists’, You Need To Check Out Chris Evans’ Widely Disputed Directorial Debut
Materialists has been a significant success for A24, even if its marketing concealed a more introspective film than fans anticipated. It marks Chris Evans‘ return to romantic drama/comedy, a genre many of his fans have been eagerly awaiting. The film has also sparked a surge in streaming for Evans’ other romantic roles—especially Ghosted, where he falls in love with a spy portrayed by Ana de Armas. However, fans might have overlooked his directorial debut, Before We Go. This film presents a premise perfectly suited for a romantic drama, as Evans’ character, Nick Vaughan, encounters Brooke Dalton (Alice Eve), who finds herself stranded in New York due to a series of escalating events.
Nick and Brooke spend the night exploring New York, growing closer while confronting their pasts. The script, which Evans had read earlier in his career, resonated with him so deeply that he felt compelled to direct it. “I just wanted the script that I was reading to align a little bit more with the movie I had in my head,” he shared with USA Today just before production commenced. Although Before We Go faced critical backlash and flopped at the box office, it showcases Evans’ talents as both an actor and director.
Chris Evans and Alice Eve’s Chemistry Fuels ‘Before We Go’
Before We Go unfolds over a single day, paying homage to Richard Linklater‘s films—especially Before Sunrise, which shares a similar narrative structure. The film features compelling chemistry between Evans and Eve as their characters develop a connection. They humorously refer to a pay phone as a “time machine,” perform a musical number, and inadvertently crash a wedding. However, the film also presents genuine emotional moments.
During the wedding, Nick encounters his ex, who reveals she is pregnant and starting a new family; he confides in Brooke that he was meant to be married at that moment. In turn, she discloses that her trip to New York is motivated by her contemplation of leaving her husband due to his infidelity. This moment is raw and emotional, with both Evans and Eve effectively conveying their characters’ regrets and relief through their body language. Another poignant scene features Brooke and Nick discussing the notion of meeting the right person, to which he responds, “Well… if I ever got that lucky. I probably wouldn’t plan on letting her down.” This moment highlights Evans’ strength as an actor, demonstrating that his best performances occur when he embodies a relatable, down-to-earth character, a quality that Materialists utilizes effectively.
‘Before We Go’ Wasn’t Well-Received, but Proves Chris Evans’ Talent as a Director
While Before We Go thrives on the romantic connection between Chris Evans and Alice Eve, critics did not reciprocate the same affection upon its release. Much of the criticism centers on the plot, which many reviewers deemed clichéd and superficial; a particularly harsh critique from Slate likened the film to “dating someone who only talks about their ex.” This assessment is not unfounded: many events in the film hinge on extreme coincidences, such as Brooke being mugged in New York, Nick running out of money, and both their cell phones dying. Additionally, out of all the weddings in New York, they fortuitously encounter one attended by Nick’s ex? This feels less like serendipity and more like lazy screenwriting.
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However, where Before We Go excels is in Evans’ direction. He effortlessly captures the vibrant energy of New York City and its unique, brightly lit beauty at night (considering most of the film unfolds after dark, this is no small feat). Evans expressed his desire to return to directing during his appearance at New York Comic Con in 2023:
“I’ve been looking. Unfortunately, I’m not much of a writer—I wish I were—so that means I’m at the mercy of finding something. And unfortunately, those great scripts aren’t just lying around. So I’m always on the hunt to find something, because I really did love the experience.”
Anyone who enjoys Chris Evans’ romantic comedies or seeks to witness a different facet of his talents should definitely check out Before We Go, especially if they are in search of a cozy movie night.
