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Introduction –
Yet another love story based on the essay submitted by Cecilia Pesao and published in the New York Times’ “Modern Love” section. The story is quite similar to Before Sunrise. In both these films two complete strangers get acquainted on a train, promise to meet again on a particular date in the future and then part ways.
Synopsis –
Paula ( Lucy Boynton ) a typical artsy, studious girl is travelling from Galway to Dublin. Michael ( Kit Harington ) is also heading home by the same train. After a not so amicable beginning, the two warm up to each other’s company. The times are bad, pandemic has started taking the toll, and cities and towns are getting shut down ( lock down ). Over the next two hours Michael and Paula exchange personal information and talk on various subjects that gradually evolves into romantic, flirtatious conversation.
Michael says he works for a digital advertising agency, builds algorithms that make brands popular and also connects them with complementing customers; Paula says she is a medieval studies student.
When they finally arrive in Dublin, there is hesitancy in their actions, as if they don’t want to part ways. There is no doubt they are attracted to each other, and want to connect via phone but Michael says he has a better idea. That if they were destined to be together then they will meet after the two week lockdown ends on the first train out of Dublin. It turns out to be a bad idea because the lockdown gets extended and when they try to reach the station, Michael and Paula are stopped at different police blockades.
Back home Michael’s brother, who earlier had reservations about such a relationship, allows him to borrow his car to look out for Paula. Meanwhile, Paula faces a different kind of adversity. Her mother finds the situation quite romantic and wants her daughter to pursue with the unusual relationship. Check out Modern Love Season 2, Episode 3 to know if Michael actually meets Paula.
Analysis –
Locomotive or train love stories have lost their charm. Even this one is quite predictable. Everything about Strangers on a (Dublin) Train is average – the performance, story, direction and even the locations. The only exception is the song, sung by one of the travellers in the train and creatively supported by other passengers and even the staff. It was a small consolation, a kind of bonus for watching the episode in its entirety. Nope, this one didn’t tickle our cinematic buds nor did it offer any entertainment.
Year of Release – 2021 | Director – John Carney | Story – Cecilia Pesao | Running Time – 35 Minutes | Availability – Amazon Prime Video