The Ring Thing follows the story of Sarah (Sarah Wharton) and Kristen (Nicole Pursell), a queer couple who are struggling with the idea of marriage. Kristen is excited by the prospect of getting married but Sarah is hesitant about the institution of marriage itself. As they navigate their relationship, Kristen proposes to Sarah, who then has to reassess her feelings about marriage and what it means to her, leading her on a journey of self-discovery.
The film begins with Sarah, a documentary filmmaker, interviewing couples about their marriages, including her own parents. Through these conversations, we see Sarah's skepticism towards the idea of marriage and the societal pressures placed on couples. Her views are challenged when she meets Kristen, an artist, at an art gallery. Despite their initial awkwardness, they quickly hit it off and begin a relationship.
As the two navigate through their relationship, they encounter various obstacles that challenge their perspectives on love and marriage. One of the biggest challenges comes when Kristen proposes to Sarah, who must come to terms with her fears and insecurities regarding marriage. We see Sarah grapple with the idea of commitment and her understanding of what marriage means to her.
Throughout the film, we see how societal expectations and pressures can impact individuals in their personal lives. The film explores the complexity of relationships, the challenges of commitment, and the importance of communication. It also challenges the traditional narrative of what a marriage looks like and who is allowed to participate in it.
The characters in the film are well-developed and fleshed out, providing dimension and depth to their relationships. The acting is strong, particularly from Sarah Wharton, who delivers a nuanced and authentic performance as Sarah. The chemistry between Pursell and Wharton is also believable, and their relationship feels authentic and relatable.
The film is visually striking, with beautiful cinematography and a subdued color palette that serves to highlight the emotional landscape of the characters. The sound design is also notable, with a haunting score that adds to the suspense of the film.
Overall, The Ring Thing is a thought-provoking and emotional film that explores the complexity of love and relationships. It challenges traditional notions of marriage and commitment while also highlighting the importance of communication and self-discovery. The film is a must-see for anyone questioning the idea of marriage or struggling with the pressures and expectations placed on them by society.
The Ring Thing is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes.
