I am a self-confessed, card carrying, committed, long-term member of the hopeless romantic club, so really this quirky romantic comedy had me at hello! Introduce nerd candy Paul Dano into the mix, tell me that the director of one of my favourite films (Little Miss Sunshine) is on board and make the female character more than just a one dimensional cardboard cut out for the male protagonist to fancy and it all adds up to one satisfied movie goer and leaver.
The protagonist Calvin (Paul Dano) is a frustrated novelist who achieved phenomenal success at a young age but who is now struggling with writer’s block. Finally, he makes a breakthrough and creates a character named Ruby who inspires him. When Calvin finds Ruby (played by Zoe Kazan who FYI also wrote the screenplay), in the flesh, making breakfast in his kitchen, he is completely flabbergasted that his words have turned into a living, breathing person. What ensues is a haphazard, humorous tale of how they fall in love.
This offbeat, original comedy will leave you questioning if the person you fall in love with is really ever the person you think they are or are they an invention of your imagination, a vision of how you want them to be.
But isn’t that exactly what falling in love is, seeing only the good? Ruby Sparks will make you believe in second chances, in falling again even though you might get hurt, in taking the chance, having faith that out there somewhere there is someone who will earnestly tell you that they love your mess.
Ruby Sparks is showing in selected cinemas nationwide now
