What We Wanted is a touching and complex drama that tells the story of a couple who struggle with infertility and the pressures of their own expectations. The film, directed by Ulrike Kofler, follows Alice (Lavinia Wilson) and Niklas (Elyas M'Barek) as they embark on a vacation to Sardinia in the hopes of reigniting their passion and fertility.
Alice and Niklas have been trying to conceive for years, and their unsuccessful attempts have put a strain on their relationship. Niklas, a successful architect, is often absent and preoccupied with work, while Alice is consumed with the idea of becoming pregnant. She tracks her ovulation cycles and obsesses over every detail, refusing to let go of the possibility of becoming parents.
Their vacation quickly takes a turn when they discover that the rental house they booked is next to a rowdy group of partygoers. Alice is furious, and Niklas is embarrassed by their behavior. In an attempt to make up for the disappointing start to their trip, Niklas offers to stay indoors with Alice and relax. Together they spend their time cooking, reading, and talking, but their attempts at intimacy are floundering. Alice is too fixated on the idea of becoming pregnant, and Niklas is too focused on his work.
As the weeks pass, they develop relationships with the locals, including a young couple with a baby and a single mother who befriends Alice. These characters offer Alice and Niklas perspectives on life and raising children that are different from their own. They begin to see the faults in their own expectations, and the pressure they put on themselves to conform to societal norms.
As Alice and Niklas navigate their feelings about their own infertility, they're forced to confront harsh truths about their relationship. Alice struggles with infertility and the idea that being a mother is essential to her identity, while Niklas is more focused on his career and the stability it provides. These conflicting priorities leave little room for either of them to connect with each other.
What We Wanted is a beautifully crafted film that explores the complexity of relationships and the challenges that infertility brings to a couple's life. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty of the location contrasted against the couple's internal struggles. The performances of the main characters are commendable, and the supporting cast fills out the world with warmth and humor.
The film's pace is measured, which allows for the depth of the characters' internal turmoil to be explored. The only criticism is that at times the pacing becomes slow, and the film explores the same themes and conflicts more than once. However, this is more of a minor criticism rather than a major flaw.
Overall, What We Wanted is an emotionally resonant film that depicts the challenges and complexities of parental expectations and how they can impact relationships. The film provides a thought-provoking examination of the sacrifices, compromises, and expectations that come with the desire to have a child. It also captures the beauty of life, and the unexpected connections that bring joy and meaning to our lives.
In conclusion, What We Wanted is a powerful and poignant film that tackles heavy subject matter with nuance and sensitivity. It is a well-crafted drama that offers an authentic and realistic portrayal of relationships and the challenges and expectations that come with them. This is a must-watch movie for anyone who is struggling with infertility or who has ever grappled with the overwhelming desire to become a parent.
What We Wanted is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.
