ScreenR8 Logo
Movie
Romance
1h 35m

Before We Go

7.6/10
Released: September 12, 2014
Reviewed: Yesterday
Report
Before We Go banner

Quick Info

Before We Go is one of those quietly charming romance movies that might slip past you if you’re only browsing big titles on streaming sites. It’s set almost entirely over the course of a single night in New York City, following two strangers, played by Chris Evans and Alice Eve, who meet by chance and end up wandering the city together. There’s an almost theatrical intimacy to the story, which feels refreshingly unhurried compared to most modern romcoms.

What stood out most to me was the delicate chemistry between the leads. Chris Evans is far from his Captain America persona here—he’s a bit more awkward and vulnerable, and Alice Eve matches him with a guarded warmth. Their conversations are honest without being melodramatic, and I liked how the script let them get to know each other in a way that felt authentic. The movie is really more about two people helping each other figure out their own lives, rather than a grand love story.

That being said, the plot does meander at times. Because it’s such a dialogue-driven film, the pacing isn’t for everyone—there are stretches where not much happens beyond the characters talking or moving from one location to the next. If you need a lot of external drama or action, this one might feel a bit too slow or even uneventful. Sometimes, I wished for a bit more narrative tension or stakes.

On the plus side, the cinematography is beautiful. The city at night is like a third character—subtly lit, never too glossy, but always inviting. The improvisational feel of some scenes, along with the small moments of music (Chris Evans’s character is a musician), add a nice touch of melancholy and hopefulness. It’s a very “New York” film, but without slipping into cliché territory.

You would enjoy this if you’re into low-key, character-driven romances that focus more on emotional connection than big gestures. If you liked movies like Before Sunrise but want a slightly more modern, understated version, this one is definitely worth checking out.