‘Look Both Ways’: Netflix’s Multiverse Romance Explored

Netflix’s ‘Look Both Ways’ draws viewers into a heartwarming, two-pronged romantic dramedy starring the magnetic Lili Reinhart. Premiered on August 17, 2022, the film presents a unique twist on the classic “what if?” scenario, inviting audiences to witness how a single night can split one woman’s future into two radically different realities. Directed by Wanuri Kahiu and written by April Prosser, the movie offers an emotional exploration of ambition, parenthood, and the unpredictability of life’s paths.

Premise: Forks in the Road

At the crux of ‘Look Both Ways’ lies Natalie, a college senior whose life is meticulously planned. When a spontaneous night with her friend Gabe leads to a pregnancy scare, the viewer is whisked into a split narrative:

• Reality One: Natalie becomes pregnant, chooses to remain in her Texas hometown, and navigates the complexities of young parenthood.
• Reality Two: She is not pregnant, moves to Los Angeles with her best friend, and pursues her dream of becoming an animator.

The film then unfolds in parallel, not as a “choose your own adventure” but as an empathetic observation of how life branches at each choice.

Casting and Characters

Parallel Storytelling: Two Timelines, Double the Drama

Director Wanuri Kahiu employs a split-screen narrative, alternating between the two futures unfolding for Natalie. This parallel structure isn’t simply a narrative device—it’s thematic, capturing the anxiety and beauty of not knowing what’s next. Both realities carry equal weight and are given emotional depth, though the film never identifies which scenario is “true.” The intention is clear: life’s major decisions shape identity and experience, but happiness, heartbreak, and growth reside within any path we choose.

Pregnancy Timeline: Parenthood and Purpose

In one reality, Natalie becomes pregnant and must negotiate expectations from her parents and Gabe. Her father (Luke Wilson) and mother (Andrea Savage) pressure both Natalie and Gabe to give up their dreams for the sake of stability. Navigating the highs and lows of raising a child while still discovering herself, Natalie is forced to rethink her ambitions, question her relationship with Gabe (who was never meant to be her romantic partner), and contend with the heavy responsibilities of motherhood. The film doesn’t shy away from the emotional turmoil of teen pregnancy, especially in terms of parental disappointment and the loss or delay of personal dreams.

• Key Themes: Sacrifice, friendship co-parenting, self-discovery
• Highlights: Genuine moments between Natalie and Gabe, support from Cara, realistic depiction of motherhood struggles
• Challenges: Mutual frustration between Natalie and Gabe, balancing dreams with reality, family tensions

Career Timeline: Chasing Dreams in Los Angeles

In the alternate reality, Natalie is free to move to Los Angeles with Cara. The adjustment isn’t easy: competitive creative markets, unpaid internships, and the struggle to break into the animation industry all test her resilience. Natalie’s romantic interest shifts to Jake, a laid-back, affable animator who helps her gain access to industry events and introduces her to Natalie’s professional idol, Lucy Galloway. Here, the stakes are professional: Natalie must prove herself in a world where creative ambition often meets discouraging obstacles, all while navigating the uncertainties of young romance.

• Key Themes: Ambition, mentorship, coming-of-age, romantic development
• Highlights: Supportive friendships, the thrill of pursuing a dream, flirtatious chemistry between Natalie and Jake
• Challenges: Feeling lost in a big city, career rejections, balancing romance and professional aspiration

Visual Style and Direction

The cinematography and editing make frequent use of sketch animation transitions, a direct reflection of Natalie’s identity as an illustrator. These whimsical moments add flavor and structure to the film, signaling shifts between timelines and conveying Natalie’s inner world. While some viewers initially found this technique jarring, many were won over by its charm and its role in personalizing the storytelling. These artistic flourishes—reminiscent of diary doodles—help ground the emotional tone and break up the narrative’s complexity.

Romance, Comedy, and Positivity

‘Look Both Ways’ isn’t just about critical life choices—it’s also a feel-good romance with comedic undertones. The banter between characters, lighthearted moments, and a generally upbeat vibe contribute to a story that, while occasionally lacking depth or innovative punch, feels familiar and comforting. Some comedic bits may come across as outdated, but the film’s sincerity and optimism stand out.

• The love interests in each timeline—Gabe and Jake—serve as foils, each representing distinct futures and values.
• The positivity and support among the friend group, especially Cara’s unwavering loyalty, create a warm atmosphere for both plotlines.
• The romantic chemistry is believable, adding to the film’s relatable sweetness, even amidst setbacks and disagreements.

Critical Reception: Mixed Views

Audience and critic reactions highlight the film’s strengths—Lili Reinhart’s charismatic performance and an inventive narrative approach—while dividing on execution. The simultaneity of the two timelines is novel, but the lack of explanation for the split and uneven narrative pacing have left some frustrations. Nevertheless, the positivity and relatability earned praise, as did the film’s suitability for a casual, uplifting viewing experience.

Major Themes and Takeaways

• Choice and Destiny: The film explores how a single choice can dramatically reshape the future, but also underscores that there isn’t just one “right” way to live meaningfully.
• Ambition vs. Responsibility: Natalie’s diverging paths test her desire to achieve personal goals against the realities of responsibility—whether to her child or her career.
• Support Systems: Friendship, family, and romantic relationships play profound roles in helping Natalie navigate both adversity and triumph.
• Personal Growth: Both timelines show Natalie growing, learning, and ultimately finding her way—no matter which path she takes.

Unique Storytelling Techniques

Unlike traditional split-timeline stories, ‘Look Both Ways’ runs both futures side-by-side and with equal weight, using artistic sketches to visually echo Natalie’s creative mind. This method is refreshing, though it may create moments of confusion, especially for viewers unfamiliar with simultaneous storytelling. The editing sometimes struggles to clearly distinguish between the timelines, but the emotional through-lines remain strong.

Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths: Lili Reinhart’s captivating performance; positive, relatable characters; innovative storytelling approach; heartfelt portrayal of life’s unpredictabilities.
• Weaknesses: Confusing edits; underdeveloped comedic elements; lack of deeper narrative explanation; some dated humor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who stars in ‘Look Both Ways’?

Lili Reinhart stars as Natalie, alongside Danny Ramirez (Gabe), David Corenswet (Jake), Aisha Dee (Cara), Luke Wilson, Andrea Savage, and Nia Long.

What is the main premise of ‘Look Both Ways’?

The film follows Natalie as her life splits into two parallel realities on the night of her college graduation—one in which she becomes pregnant and stays in her hometown, and another where she moves to Los Angeles to pursue her career in animation.

Is ‘Look Both Ways’ a comedy or drama?

It blends romantic comedy and drama, alternating between lighthearted, feel-good romance and the serious challenges of parenthood and chasing dreams.

How is the dual timeline presented?

The narrative alternates between the two timelines in parallel, using artistic sketch transitions and split-screen techniques to indicate the switching perspectives.

What are the main criticisms of the film?

Critics cite confusing editing between timelines, lack of narrative depth, and underdeveloped comedic elements. Nonetheless, the film is praised for its emotional relatability and strong performances.

Conclusion: Is ‘Look Both Ways’ Worth Watching?

‘Look Both Ways’ offers viewers a charming meditation on choice, destiny, and the endless possibilities of adulthood. While it may not break new ground in storytelling or cinematic execution, its dual timelines and positive tone make for an engaging and relatable watch. The film’s approach to major life decisions—parenthood vs. ambition—feels timely and honest, buoyed by a delightful ensemble cast and creative visual flourishes. For fans of Lili Reinhart and casual viewers seeking a lighthearted yet thoughtful romance, ‘Look Both Ways’ fits the bill as an easy, satisfying addition to Netflix’s catalog.

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