Kate Bosworth returns to the big screen with director Kat Coiro (L!fe Happens) in the film And While We Were Here, a story about a woman’s love affair with a younger man set against the romantic backdrop of Ischia, a touristic island off the coast of Italy. “Independent” doesn’t even begin to describe how this film was made; a cast of four and a crew of an equal number make up the entire production team. In this regard, the execution of the film is solid. The location is beautiful and the casting choices of Bosworth, Iddo Goldberg, along with newcomer Jamie Blackley were perfect. The story itself, however, is where the film substantially weakens.
Jane (Bosworth) is an American writer who is accompanying her English viola-playing husband on his concert tour in Italy. From the onset, Jane is visibly depressed and spends most of her days alone in her hotel room, transcribing audio recordings of her grandmother (Claire Bloom) for her upcoming book. One night, Jane decides to venture out on her own and meets Caleb (Blackley), a handsome young American similarly struggling to live in the resort town. The two have undeniable chemistry and ultimately, give in to temptation. Not straying far from the “formula for romance,” Jane and Caleb continue their affair for days, and this spontaneity leads Jane to forget her unhappiness and literally “let her hair down.”
It would seem like the motivation of And While We Were Here was more of an opportunity to travel to Italy rather than to make a meaningful film.
Ultimately, Jane confesses her affair to her blindsided husband, who rightfully feels betrayed. He says he will do whatever it takes to maintain their relationship, but Jane’s mind is made up, although the outcome of her decision isn’t necessarily what you’d expect.
My biggest complaint about the film is with Jane’s character, I felt absolutely no sympathy for her. First of all, she decides to follow her husband to Italy for his business trip, so, of course, he’s going to be busy and not have time to hang out with you, Jane! Also, the fact that she shows no compassion towards her husband after she tells him their relationship is over makes her seem less empowered and totally selfish, which I’m fairly sure wasn’t Coiro’s intention when writing the script.
It would seem like the motivation of And While We Were Here was more of an opportunity to travel to Italy rather than to make a meaningful film. I personally was more interested in what Bosworth was wearing as opposed to what her character was doing. Flaws aside, I think this film has the potential to be well received in younger demographics, by teenage girls swooning over Blackley or idolizing “it-girl” Bosworth. The film is not groundbreaking cinema, although the familiarity of the storyline could be comforting. One thing’s for sure, And While We Were Here will make you re-think Italy as your next vacation destination (boy-toy not included).
