Jackson Free Press

Though I like the film "Forev" by Molly Green and James Leffler, it's frustrating to watch, and not because of any flaws often seen on screen. It's actually my favorite type of film. "Forev" has an offbeat storyline and sense of humor, the people are normal, and the camera work is pretty simple.

The frustration lies in the dynamic between Pete and Sophie. Pete is an awkward IT guy who keeps to himself, and Sophie is somewhat of a budding actress. They're neighbors and friends, but barely know anything about each other.

Pete has to go pick his sister Jess up from college in Phoenix, so Sophie, feeling sad about possibly being turned down for a local hotdog commercial, decides to tag along. Before they leave, as Pete and Sophie lay on his living-room floor, and she insists that she's going to stay there forever. Pete says that if that's the case, they should get married. She replies she would marry him right then. It is mostly a joke at first, but when they are well into the road trip, Pete says he thinks that they really should get married. "It's going to be awesome," he says.

Even though they know almost nothing about each other (not even one another's last names), they make the idea seem like it makes sense. And at first, it does. You're supposed to marry your friend, right? Sophie and Pete click, and they have fun together. It's a simple relationship, uncomplicated by the perils of a romantic relationship.

Jess is the dose of reality in "Forev." She has been in a real relationship, and she is experiencing real pain from the ending of it. At times, she may seem bitter and scornful, but she knows that neither one of them really wants this. At some point, you just want to yell at Pete, because no matter how far his shenanigans go, he won't just tell Sophie he likes her—and that they should try being a couple before diving headfirst into one of the biggest decisions of their lives.

"Forev" screens at 1 p.m. April 5 on Screen A.