Director-screenwriter Elton Loud brings to life a philosophical romcom-drama in A Thousand Faces. Set in Oakland, California, Lucas (Julian Elijah Martinez) and Asha (Iman N. Milner) have a late one-night stand. Their flirtatious make-out session fizzles, and in a strange turn of events, the whole neighborhood is put on police lockdown. Due to this unlikely situation, Asha sets boundaries with Lucas. She requests that he does not ask personal questions and must go to sleep. The initial awkwardness evolves into an all-night conversation. Asha is in a complicated relationship with her abusive NFL boyfriend, Hassan. Lucas desires to break up with his long-time girlfriend, Maddie (Julia Pace Mitchell). Lucas and Asha bond over career decisions, family life, and funny stories.
They both want more in life, as their current relationships are stagnant and loveless. In this void of loneliness, Asha and Lucas connect over their creative talents. Lucas admires her paintings around the apartment, while Asha believes he should send his manuscript to an editor. Who knew this strange circumstance would lead to the blossoming of a new romance?
“… Lucas and Asha have a late one-night stand… whole neighborhood is put on police lockdown.”
A Thousand Faces works due to Julian Elijah Martinez and Iman N. Milner’s authentic performances. Martinez and Milner have a believable chemistry, and they come to life in the film’s many argument scenes. Kun’s cinematography stands out with icy blue lighting, an atypical color for a rom-com. This creativity spreads to Johannes Gomez’s production design. Gomez leans into the face motif with African masks and humanistic paintings in the background. The combination of cinematography and production design helps us connect with these nuanced lovers on an introspective level.
Loud’s screenplay is a delicate balance between serious drama and personable comedy. This elevates the film above the traditional rom-com as humor comes from the characters’ vulnerability versus a zany situation. The film sends a great message to young couples about honest communication within a relationship. Elton Loud’s A Thousand Faces is the perfect rom-com-drama for today’s generation due to its honesty and lifelike characters.
"…They both want more in life as their current relationships are stagnant and loveless…"
