Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Romantic drama on the challenges of conception; sex scenes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Only You
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
ONLY YOU begins when two strangers share a cab on New Year's Eve. Elena (Laia Costa) invites Jake (Josh O'Connor) back to her home, where they engage in a passionate one-night stand. They fall in love, move in together, and soon begin trying for a baby. But they encounter many difficulties along the way and decide to start IVF treatment. This soon takes its toll -- both physically and emotionally -- on this once loved-up couple.
Is It Any Good?
This film is awkward at times, it's heartbreaking in others, and beautifully mawkish too -- but it's never not real. Only You is director Harry Wootliff's first feature film, but is fully deserving of its BAFTA nomination for Outstanding Debut. Through the characters of Jake and Elena, we're presented a strikingly naturalistic take on modern romance. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable. The way Jake looks at Elena with so much love and admiration is a masterclass in acting, but it's also displayed in his subtle sense of blissful idealism. Costa matches her co-star at every turn with a complex, internalized display, as her inner conflicts are delicately explored.
It's a testament to Wootliff's screenplay that the dialogue is so natural it seems improvised. It truly feels we're on this same journey with the protagonists. The movie's authenticity never once compromises on the cinematic quality, which is visually impressive. It also features one of the best father-son conversations since Call Me By Your Name. Only You is an honest portrayal of the difficulties and challenges couples face in today's world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the relationship between Elena and Jake in Only You. What challenges do they face as a couple? How do they overcome them? What character strengths do you think are most important to a successful relationship?
Did Elena feel like a realistic character to you? In what way? How does she compare to other female characters you have seen portrayed on screen? Discuss gender representation in movies.
Jake and his father have a meaningful discussion about relationships. How does this help Jake? Why is communication so important?
How is sex portrayed in the movie? Is it loving and respectful? What does it mean for the characters involved? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 12, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : September 9, 2019
- Cast : Laia Costa , Josh O'Connor , Natalie Arle-Toyne
- Director : Harry Wootliff
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Curzon Artificial Eye
- Genre : Romance
- Character Strengths : Communication , Empathy
- Run time : 119 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : May 6, 2020
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate