This movie could have been a disaster. However, first time writer and director William Eubank has turned out a masterful and ambitious film while being saddled with a rather (by Hollywood standards) small budget.

It starts on the eve of a US Civil War battle, one where the commanding officer is convinced the battle will be lost for his side.  He calls forth one solider to go and be witness to, well, he doesn’t say exactly.  The soldier, following orders, does as is instructed and just as we are to discover what it is he is to bear witness to, we are shifted to the future just before the reveal.

That future is a lone astronaut (Gunner Wright) on the International Space Station.  That he is alone causes little concern as we watch him go through his daily routine, waking, shaving, exercising, working, and all of the elements that make up his day.  No concern at all until a strange message proceeds the night side of the Earth going dark.  Slowly it dawns on him that no one is going to respond, no one is going to get him back to the earth.  He also begins to slowly create a new reality around himself, descending into a mild insanity of sorts.

And then finally, something indescribable occurs.

The point of the film is also its title. It is an exploration of the human condition and what contact with other human means.  How long can one go without love, without those very bonds that bind us as families, friends, cities, and societies?  The filmmaker isn’t as bold as to pretend to have the answers to these questions. Rather, he presents the questions in such a way as to make the viewer consider get there for themselves.

Taking on the task of carrying the film almost entirely alone, Gunner Wright does a fantastic job of conveying a wide range of emotions with only the simplest of props with which to play off of.  No doubt many will feel the urge to compare this film to Stanley Kubrick‘s 2001 – A Space Odyssey as it too asked much of the viewer in the same manner.  Personally, I think that is where the comparisons end as Love takes a much different approach giving a clearer understanding to the viewer what is being asked of them.

Visually this is a stunning, beautiful movie, very much reminiscent of the style used in Darren Aronofsky’s “The Fountain“.  Crisp lines, rich colors, soft lighting envelop the story itself providing a texture that enhances the narrative.  Coupled with a sparse, but poignant soundtrack, the overall effect matches perfectly with the action.

It is truly an audio and video delight.

This is the type of film that begs to be seen by both a large audience and on a large screen.

Science Fiction fans will at once be drawn to the story, the visuals, the concepts and the vision. However, in the end, I think the general public will want to see this film for themselves.

Love will delight, question and encourage viewers to think and it should definitely be seen by a much larger audience than it has to this point.