Two-character dramatic pieces are relatively rare for movies; even rarer are those involving couples.  For every male-centric drama such as Sleuth or Gerry or Hell in the Pacific or My Dinner with Andre there are a lesser number of male-female combinations like Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison, Closet Land or What Happens Later.  One wonders why this should be so — or perhaps it’s just my own perception.  But aside from the Before trilogy with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy (which do feature other characters but are still very much about their relationship), I cannot recall a romantic comedy using this two-person format.

Meg Ryan’s film takes place at a northwestern Arkansas airport during a snowstorm, one which strands the two former lovers before they can make connecting flights to other destinations.  Wilhelmina Davis (Meg Ryan) is on her way to Boston; William Davis (David Duchovny) is on his way to Austin; while no relation to each other, they reminisce about their deep affair more than twenty years earlier.  While everyone else at the airport eventually finds somewhere else to be, Willa and Bill roam the empty airport and delve into the why’s and wherefore’s of their lost love.  Is there a way to repair the damage done?  Are the two finally destined to find happiness together?

Initially I thought this was a pretty slim premise, but the script, based on a play by Steven Dietz, provides the two characters a rich backstory and some personal secrets that are gradually revealed throughout the drama.  That depth makes up for some slim stretches and an unnecessary dancing sequence.  I also liked how the dialogue is often delivered over itself, just as how real people so often speak.  The two performances are strong, and get better as the story deepens.  I’ve never been a big fan of Mr. Duchovny, but I was impressed with his characterization here.

This is not a traditional rom-com, so don’t expect those traditions or trappings.  Ms. Ryan has taken a specialized play and made a decent drama out of it, using an interesting setting and exploring universal feelings of love and loss.  I appreciate its intentions and, to a lesser degree, the results.  It’s a story about real people trying to navigate the hills and valleys of real life, making peace with the past while looking forward to possible futures.  ☆ ☆ 1/2.  13 October 2024.