“Everything Before Us” follows two couples who journey through love and relationship woes in a reality where a government agency gives everyone a score based on their romantic relationships.
The film centers around a government-constructed organization called the Department of Emotional Integrity. In this world, the agency is supposed to bring structure to love, helping to avoid the emotional toil that relationships can bring by giving every person an emotional integrity score that is derived from the longevity their relationships along with the reasons for which they end. This score is equated to a credit score and can make or break not only romantic relationships, but also friendships, finances and career opportunities.
Two couples are represented in the film: two fresh faced teenagers about to face the complexities of a long distance relationship, and two 30-somethings who are all-too-familiar with heartbreak. These characters and their stories are cliche but relatable.
The directors of the film, Wesley Chan and Philip Wang, are unfamiliar names who executed this film excellently. Along with romance and drama, the film has the perfect amount of comic relief to lighten the mood. The most recognizable actor is Randall Park, most notable for “Fresh Off the Boat” and “The Interview.”
“Everything Before Us” is a feel-good film. The concept of a government agency that scores people’s ability to love is creative and original. The whole idea of the film is fantastic, as it showcases the idea that how a person loves cannot be simplified to one number.
