I've picked this up out of boredom, wanted something simple and easy, fully expecting a generic dramedy with cliché characters. What I got was something entirely different.There are not too many films that try to explore the topic of betrayal in a relationship in its full. Yes, obviously it's one one of most common tropes in any kind of medium, but usually it's really one-sided. But true exploration of betrayal touches both sides, tries to uncover reasons, motivation behind it all, and, what's especially difficult, what do to after the fact.Last Night is surprisingly deep. We see people who are in love, who are confused, who have to deal with temptation, make a decision.Is it possible to love two people at the same time? What's worse, physical betrayal or emotional one? If something is true and pure, is it worth flushing everything else you have in your life down the toilet and pursuing this chance of happiness?All these questions are explored in full in Last Night, and as in any truly good movie, there will be no answers, you will have to answer them for yourself.Last Night reminded me of another masterpiece dialogue-driven relationship/betrayal movie – Closer. It's not the same in any way, but they are similar, so if you liked Closer, try this one as well.It's not without fair share of problems. As it's been noted in many places, two story lines are really uneven, and you almost don't care for one of them. But then again, without this contrast, without the dullness of one, you wouldn't be able to feel real emotions in the other. It's also all coming down to the fact, that men are weaker in these situation. I felt sorry for Michael, because I could understand him perfectly well.Acting is also uneven, it's not a match for what we got in Closer. It's still a movie that provokes you, gets to ask questions, gets you thinking, and for all of this it's worth checking out. But don't expect something light and easy.

**May Contain Spoilers**Last Night is one of those films that's bound to make enemies of many and friends of few. From a critical perspective it can be considered too nuanced and subtle in it's storytelling approach, lacking much bulk in both story-telling style and character development. But this film doesn't seem to care about pleasing critics, rather, it's most enjoyable when it's thought of as asking us as viewers to recall a time which we have embodied at least one of the films four characters. The husband who wants to cheat for one night, the girl who wants the man she knows she can't have, the wife who wants the man she knows she truly belongs with, and the guy who hopelessly loves the girl that got away. For the most part it's easy to be at least one of these four people, and this chance to relate is perhaps the movies strongest asset aside from a great performance from Keira Knightly, who rarely disappoints, and some beautiful NYC locations. If you go into Last Night expecting it to be 'that movie' everyone overlooked, you'll be let down. But if you treat it as one of those late night quick watches, or a movie to relax with when sick or simply not feeling like doing much, it's an easy and mellow watch.

An attractive young couple in Manhattan is preparing for a party at a business acquaintance of the husband's. Joanna senses an attraction Michael seems to have for a gorgeous co-worker. As they return home, a full confrontation ensues. Joanna feels Michel must have had a fling with Laura the last time both traveled to the West Coast for a business presentation, something he vehemently denies. Joanna gives him the benefit of the doubt as they eventually make up. In a way, Joanna compounds on the problem for whatever Michael has felt for Laura.Massy Tadjedin, the talented director of "Last Night", obviously knows the people she is presenting in this intimate tale about human relations at a crucial moment in their young lives,. To complicate the situation, Alex, the former French lover of Joanna shows suddenly on the scene. Michael, out of town with a team that includes Laura, suddenly feels the loss of self-control. Joanna, suddenly, finds herself falling in the same situation she accused Michael of doing. Obviously, her love for Alex is still alive.Ms. Tadjedin clearly understand what make these somewhat successful people become trapped in the situations they get involved in our modern times, where loyalty to one's married partner is taken for granted in our permissive society, where satisfaction to one's senses is dealt lightly, not taking in consideration of the hurt is causing on the other one. An inspired casting of Keira Knightly is one of the reasons for watching this film. Ms. Knightly is at a good moment in her career. Her intelligent approach to her Joanna resonates with the viewer. Same could be said of the Michael of Sam Worthington, a handsome and virile presence in the movie. Michael has lots of doubts, feeling guilty in the step he is going to take. Guillaume Canet, the talented French actor-director, seems to be a bit uncomfortable with his Alex. Gorgeous Eva Mendes, not usually seen in dramatic roles, is a revelation as Laura.Peter Deming, the director of photography, catches the somber night lights of the Manhattan where the story is set. Clint Mansell music scores creates a layer of texture in the film. One can only hope for future ventures of Massi Tadjedin.

It seems to me that these situations were borne out of a marriage that, on the surface seemed happy, but was really already cracking underneath. Jo's doubt and jealousy at the beginning was clearly because she had never fully moved past her emotional connection with Alex. She initially questioned him because she questioned herself. Also the fact that they both chose to start up the staircase that the both knew would be harder to come down each step further they went, shows that there was an openness from the start to the possibility of infidelity. Another clear sign of cracks. The choice Michael made was surprising to me, though the paradox where being doubted incurs the likelihood of fulfilling the doubt itself is not a new one. Sadly, doubt, accusation and mistrust can feed the very monster they accuse.