“Fingernails” is a movie that came out in 2023. It’s a science fiction romantic drama film. The famous actors in the movie are Jessie Buckley, Riz Ahmed, Jeremy Allen White, and Luke Wilson. The movie is about a woman who works at a place testing if love between couples is real. The movie premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2023, and was later released in theaters and on Apple TV+.
Quick Plot Summary
In the movie “Fingernails,” there is a special test that can tell if people are truly in love by taking one of their fingernails. Anna, a teacher, starts working at a place where they help couples strengthen their relationships to pass this test. She meets a co-worker named Amir and they become friends, but she starts to wonder if they have feelings for each other. Anna secretly tests their love and finds out that Amir loves her more than she loves him. This makes her question her relationship with her boyfriend Ryan. Eventually, Anna and Amir share a kiss and spend the night together. However, Amir feels conflicted and thinks they should follow the test results. Despite this, they share a special moment together as Anna’s fingers heal from removing her fingernails out of sadness.
Ending Explanation
The ending of “Fingernails” explores the complexity of love and the human desire for certainty in relationships. The test, which is supposed to measure true love, actually reveals its limitations and the nuances of human emotions. Anna and Amir’s relationship challenges the idea that love can be quantified or definitively proven. Despite a 50% match indicating unreciprocated feelings, they share a connection that defies the test’s results.
Anna’s decision to stay with Amir, even after acknowledging the test’s outcome, signifies a rejection of the societal pressure to base relationships on external validations. Her removing her fingernails in despair symbolizes her struggle with her feelings and the societal expectations around love. However, Amir’s comforting response highlights the importance of compassion and understanding in relationships, beyond what any test can measure.
Their fond smiles at the end suggest a mutual recognition of the flawed nature of attempting to quantify love and the value of embracing the complexities of their feelings for each other. It’s a commentary on the human experience of love, suggesting that true connection lies in accepting its unpredictability and the imperfections of human emotions.
Similar Movies
Based on the description of Fingernails as a science fiction romantic drama that delves into the concept of testing the authenticity of love between two people, here are several films that share similarities either in theme, genre, or narrative approach:
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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) – Directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman, this film blends science fiction with a deeply emotional love story. It explores the idea of erasing memories of a failed relationship from one’s mind, questioning the nature and durability of love.
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Her (2013) – Directed by Spike Jonze, Her is a science fiction romantic drama that examines the relationship between a lonely writer and an artificial intelligence system. The film delves into themes of love, loneliness, and the nature of human connection in the digital age.
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The Lobster (2015) – Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, this darkly comedic film is set in a dystopian future where single people are given 45 days to find a romantic partner or else be turned into animals. It explores themes of societal expectations, love, and relationships in a unique and surreal manner.
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Never Let Me Go (2010) – Directed by Mark Romanek and based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, this film blends science fiction with a poignant love story. It is set in an alternate history and follows the lives of three friends who discover the dark truth about their existence as clones. The film explores themes of love, loss, and what it means to be human.
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Ex Machina (2014) – Directed by Alex Garland, this science fiction thriller delves into the relationship between a programmer and an advanced AI. While not a romantic drama, it explores complex themes of consciousness, emotion, and the boundaries between human and artificial intelligence.
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About Time (2013) – Directed by Richard Curtis, this film combines elements of science fiction with a romantic storyline. It follows a young man who discovers he can travel in time and uses this ability to improve his love life, exploring themes of love, family, and the importance of living in the moment.
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Upside Down (2012) – Directed by Juan Solanas, this romantic science fiction film features a unique visual and narrative style. It tells the story of a man seeking to reconnect with his childhood sweetheart in a universe with dual gravity, exploring themes of forbidden love and societal division.
These films, like Fingernails, blend elements of science fiction with romantic and dramatic narratives, exploring deep questions about love, relationships, and the human condition through unique and imaginative storytelling.
Reference: Wikipedia