A gay man, whose fear of intimacy leads him to continually fall for married guys, and a closeted married man meet, forcing both men to confront what they really want in their romantic lives.
“What do you call a rom-com without the com?” This question aptly describes “From Zero to I Love You,” a film that, despite its rom-com trappings, leans heavily towards drama. Directed by Doug Spearman, this passionate project explores the intricate terrain of love, intimacy, and personal authenticity.
The film introduces us to Pete Logsdon, portrayed with depth by Darryl Stephens, a gay man who seems destined to fall for married men due to his fear of true intimacy. However, when he crosses paths with Jack Dickinson, played by Scott Bailey, a closeted married man with a secret urge, their connection sparks a series of life-altering decisions.
The film’s setup had the potential to veer into comedy or drama, but therein lies one of its challenges. While rom-coms often invite audiences to suspend disbelief for their quirky coincidences and neatly wrapped resolutions, “From Zero to I Love You” struggles when it attempts to shed its comedic elements. As the humor dissipates, we are left with a romantic drama that lacks the gritty substance beneath its glossy surface.
Doug Spearman’s dedication to this project is evident, having spent four and a half years filming on a tight budget. However, the film does feel somewhat dated, which may be attributed to its extended production period or other factors. Despite throwing various twists into the mix, the narrative at times feels forced and predictable.
One of the film’s central issues lies in the character of Jack. While the tension between his love for his family and his secret desires should carry emotional weight, it often falls short. Conversely, Pete’s personal trials, though given less screen time, feel more authentic and engaging. Unfortunately, as a romantic couple, they fail to ignite the necessary chemistry to draw the audience into their love story.
In its endeavor to offer a unique take on classic film romances, “From Zero to I Love You” stumbles and leans toward melodrama. While undoubtedly a labor of love for Doug Spearman, this romance appears more labored than heartfelt.
The film premiered on March 26, 2019 at BFI Flare: London LGBT Film Festival. It has since screened at other LGBT-oriented film festivals, including the Inside Out Film and Video Festival in Toronto, QFlix in Philadelphia and the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in Tampa Bay.
Watch more here: https://vimeo.com/189888824
Keywords: From Zero to I Love You, film review, romantic drama, LGBTQ+ romance, love and identity, passion project, Doug Spearman, Darryl Stephens, Scott Bailey, complex relationships, fear of intimacy, closeted married man, love and sacrifice
