Two of Us – an exquisitely crafted masterclass in storytelling

Two of Us is in cinemas and on-demand from July 16th.

We all dream about how we intend to spend our time during retirement; for some, these dreams are rooted in holidays, travel and culture, while for others, they may wish to enjoy their garden and home with their loved ones at their side. However, for many LGBTQ+ couples who didn’t have the opportunity to marry, these plans often evaporated as their children or extended family took control of their life, with their partners isolated just when they needed them the most. Director Filippo Meneghetti’s debut feature, Two of Us, tackles these issues head-on with a challenging and beautiful exploration of love, loss and longing.

Opening with a dream sequence featuring a game of hide and seek between two young girls, Two of Us feels almost like it’s about to descend into a Hitchcockian thriller. This dream only highlights the fear of separation and isolation that haunts the Two of Us. Following this vivid dream, we are introduced to Nina (Barbara Sukowa) and Madeleine (Martine Chevallier), two older women living within the same apartment building – their loving relationship, a secret for over twenty years. Nina and Madeleine have secretly been together throughout Madeline’s marriage, her children leaving home, and her husband’s death, but now they plan to finally be free as they sell their apartments for a new life together in Rome. But for this plan to work, Madeleine must announce the secret she has kept hidden for so long.

Filippo Meneghetti’s film is an exquisitely crafted masterclass in storytelling as it explores love, isolation and fear through the eyes of two women whose plans are about to be tested through ill health. Two of Us transcends the boundaries of the traditional love story with a journey wrapped in the psychology of imprisonment and the power of love. At the heart of this slice of cinematic perfection are the outstanding performances of Barbara Sukowa and Martine Chevallier, who explore a complex tapestry of love as secret desires are made public and escape doors are firmly shut.