Film Review: Ruby Sparks

There have been times where all of us wish things were different about our partner. Maybe we hope they dressed a little snazzier, paid more attention to us or unloaded the dishwasher more regularly. Sometimes we even wish for a partner when they are currently non-existent.

If you're like Calvin Weir-Fields, a neurotic writer who despises the notion of genius, in the new film Ruby Sparks, why not just write your dream girl into your life?

'Did you know your name is Ruby, AND you have red hair? Crazy!'

Terminally single Calvin (beautifully portrayed by Paul Dano) can't write a single word. His first book was a critical success but it's been ten years since then and his publishers are anxious for more.

When he dreams of a beautiful girl Ruby, he writes about her at the urging of his therapist. Ruby (real-life girlfriend of Dano, as well as writer of the screenplay, Zoe Kazan) becomes more than his muse when she shows up in his house.

Shocked at her sudden tangible arrival into his life, Calvin and his family, as well as Ruby who is at the mercy of Calvin's words adjust to life with the mysterious redhead.

Without giving the rest of the movie away, you can be sure that it is a challenging take on the idea of manipulating our partners to suit ourselves, as well as the notion that perception is real.

One heartbreaking scene shows us why control over our other-half is never an advisable, or worthy pursuit- it won't make you happy.

Dano and Kazan are electric together on screen, as you might expect from a real-life couple, and are well supported by Annette Bening and Antonio Banderas, as well as an energetically awkward cameo from Alia Shawkat as Calvin's groupie.

I enjoyed Ruby, but I found myself waiting for a twist that never came and the ending felt a little flat for a script that fearlessly delved into the sometimes difficult sharing of oneself with your partner. However, this is an impressive writing debut for Zoe Kazan who could be quite the double-threat in the future.

If you're looking for a more challenging offering during the school holidays then I definitely recommend Ruby Sparks, and I expect that we will see a lot more of the talented Zoe Kazan and Paul Dano.