At this point, it’s easy to spot a Drake Doremus film when you see one. There are certain hallmarks that are clearly visible, over a half dozen works into his career. For some, his approach to storytelling doesn’t work. For others, it’s an emotional and often riveting way to invest you in his characters. I’ve found myself in the latter camp ever since his breakthrough Like Crazy, and his newest movie, the romantic drama Endings, Beginnings, is another home run. Showcasing the yearning for human connection that we all share, Doremus once again will rock you to your core. This time around, he also has another stunning performance the center of his movie, with Shailene Woodley doing some of the best work of her career. Available to watch on Digital this Friday, it’s one of the best flicks of the year so far. The film is a romantic drama and a character study, set over the course of one year in the life of our protagonist Daphne (Woodley). Having picked up her life and moved in with her sister Billie (Lindsay Sloane) in an effort to start fresh, she’s also sworn off dating and men for this period. However, at a party she winds up meeting two gentlemen, best friends Frank (Sebastian Stan) and Jack (Jamie Dornan). Both are interested in her, initially unaware of each other’s courtship, and offer up two very different types of guy for Daphne. She resists their charms initially, seeking to just be friends, but in short order, a love triangle emerges. Frank is volatile and unpredictable, though they share a deep lust. Jack is calm and reliable, but does he generate that spark for her? As she navigates this situation, she also recalls a past trauma that set her on this particular path. It all dovetails into an ending you won’t see coming, but leaves Daphne in an absolutely perfect place. Doremus directs and co-writes with Jardine Libaire, with cinematography from Marianne Bakke. Supporting players include Matthew Gray Gubler, Wendie Malick, Kyra Sedgwick, and more. Shailene Woodley turns in one of her absolute best performances here. She’s so open with her emotions, you feel every single thing that Daphne feels. Doremus keeps the camera close on her, studying her, as if trying to figure the character out. Woodley herself is doing the same, and it’s engrossing to witness. She’s rarely been better than she […]