Alex & Jaime

As one can tell by their names popping up all over, Alex & Jaime is a passion project for Flaccus and Hopson, and the two don’t disappoint. As the director, Flaccus creates a visual style that is built around the new actors, while still tying in the previous segments organically. Switching from act 1 to 2, the original Jaime is preparing breakfast, and as she’s reaching for glasses, the hand changes. Same shot, same action, new actor. It is easy to follow and is done in a simple but elegant visual style that only subtlety touches upon the change. The entire movie is filmed in such a manner, which means the direction is both visually impressive, yet never overpowers the true focus – the actors.

Each actor brings something truly unique and intense to their version of either Alex or Jaime. While they all share good chemistry with each other, the pairing in the first and sixth acts – Chadwick Hopson and Justene Alpert, and Ron Butler and Dominic Bogart – are the most electric and authentic feeling couples. This is not to imply that the others playing Alex and Jaime do a bad job, quite the opposite, in fact. There is not a poor performance to be found, as each actor plays the role to make it suit them, not to keep it in line with the previous inhabitant.

“Each actor brings something truly unique and intense to their version of either Alex or Jaime.”

This does lead to the only flaw in Alex & Jaime, and it is a small one. See, while that first switch over from one actor to the other is well handled from a directing standpoint, such a shift in the acting is jarring. Gentry White and Eden Malyn bring a more resigned, world wariness to their parts, whereas Hopson and Alpert were about quick repartee and an almost aloof flirtation. All four are great, but that stark difference does take a moment to get used to. Happily, after that adjustment takes place, two or three minutes into act 2, the other sections do not suffer the same fate, which leaves the focus squarely on the actors and their most impressive skills.

Alex & Jaime authentically speaks to the joy, heartbreak, fun, and hardships of being in a genuine romantic relationship, even those that are not meant to last. The direction is exquisite, knowing precisely when to show off versus letting the actors do the heavy lifting. Said cast is marvelous, boldly embodying each incarnation of the main couple beautifully and gracefully. While the story is pretty straightforward, the style and colorblind and genderless casting add a layer of beauty and truth that one would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.