Newness 2017

As the sun dips below the skyline of Los Angeles, two strangers, Martin Hallock, a recently divorced pharmacist, and Gabi Silva, a physical therapy assistant from Spain, are brought together by the twist of fate facilitated through a dating app. Initially seeking connections that fizzle out, they find themselves back in the digital world, leading to a serendipitous reconnection. A spontaneous meeting at a local bar evolves into an unforgettable exchange of thoughts and dreams that lasts until dawn, forging a bond that feels deeper than mere chance. They bask in each other’s company throughout the day, leading Gabi to make Martin’s apartment her sanctuary.

Yet, the fairytale façade quickly shatters. A visit to Martin’s family house unveils a concealed layer of heartache — his mother grapples with dementia, and there are whispers of sorrow etched in his father’s demeanor. Amid a backdrop of unspoken histories, Gabi uncovers a collection of photographs including Martin’s previous partner, Bethany, and an enigmatic young girl. This revelation compels Gabi to confront Martin when they return home, questioning his hesitance to discuss his mother’s ailments and the mystery child. Tensions ignite as accusations of nosiness fly, leading to Gabi’s abrupt exit.

The following day introduces Gabi to Blake, her friend, who invites her and Martin to a lavish dinner hosted by her boss, Larry Bejerano. In a parallel storyline, Martin finds solace in a night out with his colleagues, with both characters exploring the waters of desire and fidelity. They openly agree to an unconventional relationship, hoping to embrace newfound freedoms.

As days pass, Gabi becomes increasingly captivated by Larry, while Martin confronts his own complex emotions. An encounter with Blake prompts Martin to revisit old videos, stirring lingering feelings for Bethany. Amid this emotional chaos, Gabi learns that Larry has been lavishing her with gifts, including a necklace she decides to conceal from Martin. Their intimate dynamics grow ever more convoluted as she struggles to reconcile her deepening relationship with Larry alongside lingering affection for Martin.

As secrets are unraveled, Gabi discovers exchanges between Martin and Bethany, highlighting an unease simmering in their relationship. This leads to a dramatic escalation as Gabi finds a cherished necklace of Larry’s, stirred by memories, intensifying their discord and resulting in a painful separation. In the wake of this turmoil, Gabi seeks comfort in Larry, ultimately moving in with him as they attempt to navigate the complexities of love.

Larry proffers an opportunity for adventure, inviting Gabi to embark on a two-year journey across Europe, thus presenting her with a chance to reconnect with her roots and explore new horizons. As Gabi weighs the significance of abandoning Martin, across town, Martin encounters Bethany yet again, who has come to embrace a sense of peace in her life. Through mutual understanding, they bid farewell, facilitating closure on their shared history.

At a grand gathering hosted by Larry, Gabi passionately implores him to uninvite Blake, only to be met with firm resistance and a reprimand for her perceived immaturity. Frustrated, she exits the party, losing herself in the vibrant atmosphere of a nearby nightclub. There, she succumbs to the allure of strangers but later finds herself overwhelmed with emotions, leading to a tearful message sent to Martin.

The following day, Gabi seeks to reconcile with Larry, yet is rebuffed, prompting her to leave once more. Eventually, she finds herself back at Martin’s door, where he candidly expresses discomfort with their open relationship. This pivotal moment crystallizes Gabi’s realization that her heart belongs to Martin. With renewed commitment, they reaffirm their love, promising to navigate their journey together, united in their affection amidst the chaos that had threatened to pull them apart.