The movie begins with a terrible fight,one that is relationship ending.Caleb (Cameron) insists that what is his is his:he's worked for it,earned it,deserves it,and she has no say in what he does with his savings.
She complains that he does not do enough for her.Their argument is loud ferocious and brutal.We are overhearing something that is private,primitive,and very believable.The movie shifts to the couple as individuals.We look at him at his job (he's very good at what he does – he organizes rescues (a car was trapped on a railway crossing after an accident),and he is not afraid of dealing with dangerous situations when no one else is quick thinking or perhaps courageous enough to do what he is willing enough to do.His complaint against her shifts a bit:she offers him no respect.He thinks he's earned it,she does not agree.
She on the other hand has problems with her mother who has suffered a stroke.She is certain that he is not looking at her.She may not have his responsibilities,but she does have problems that he is not seeing deeply enough.
Amidst all this,the plot shifts again:his father gently prods Caleb into accepting the 40 day love dare.Because Caleb honors his father,he reluctantly accepts the challenge.It is from this point on that the movie begins to deal with values and psychology.It tries to delineate the path taken by someone who is confused and troubled by what is going on and what needs to be done.
He is the one taking the 40 day love dare.He believes that it is he who must make all the moves because he promised his father and he does not want the divorce.
One might ask if this is a realistic stance.I think it is.It has been my experience in talking to dozens and dozens of couples that one or the other of them always makes some sort of move towards reconciliation at some point in the relationship.
What is really interesting about this movie is that it takes a stand.It says at least one thing:is it possible to overcome basic discontent?The movie would tell us yes.Basic discontent occurs when no reconciliation is possible.The movie argues that it can be overcome.The movie does not suggest that a miracle is needed.It merely says that with enough work and genuine effort,basic discontent can be dealt with.It argues that Christian values and sincerity are enough.Two:the movie argues that if people listen and are sensitive enough,and work hard enough at change,marriages can be salvaged.
In a time where huge numbers of marriages fail,someone has to say something.Someone has to offer hope.Someone has to give us guidance.So the acting is marginal,so what?The music is a real annoyance:many movies have annoying music.It sounds a little airy fairy?Has anyone anything better to suggest?Maybe the movie is wrong,and nothing can be done about basic discontent.