Come and Find Me is a film that should be sought out and treasured when found.
Through well-thought out flashbacks and action sequences, director Zach Whedon has woven an unexpected tale filled with love and suspense that begs anyone who has ever loved to ask themselves, “How far would you go for the one you love?” Or better yet, “Do you really know the one you love?”
Aaron Paul stars as David, an LA-based graphic designer who meets and falls in love with a free-spirited photographer named Claire (Annabelle Wallis). The two move in together and what was once a modest courtship between two strangers blossoms into a beautiful relationship, until Claire mysteriously disappears. Fast forward and it’s already been a year since Claire’s disappearance and David has done everything a still-hopeful boyfriend would do (sought help from police, missing person posters, etc.) but still no sign of Claire. When all seems lost David starts to take notice and realizes some things just don’t add up. Vague clues appear and he continues his search, confident Claire is still alive. The deeper he digs, the more he begins to unearth, taking him across international borders to Vancouver, where he discovers that Claire was not actually who she said she was.
The film itself is comparable to Gone Girl in one specific way- someone goes missing. But what makes Come and Find Me different is we are shown first-hand the action one man could take while trying to find the woman he loves. The extreme, but believable lengths that are laid out in front of us for David to find Clair are incredible and emotionally gratifying. The meticulous map of flashbacks intertwined in this story never disappoints or grows tiresome. Each time we are sent back it’s with purpose and you soon find yourself more invested in this couples treacherous journey.
Throughout Paul’s career, we have witnessed his natural ability to convey emotion on screen. This ability enables viewers to empathize with him immediately. Each step he takes as David into the unknown carries a weight that we all hope that we never have to experience. His performance properly captures the pain and anguish of a broken-hearted everyday man who is simply just grasping at straws. Annabelle Wallis’ performance is, without giving too much away, precise- especially when considering the duality of her role. The chemistry between both characters carries through all the trials and tribulations that make Come and Find Me a film worth searching for.
Verdict: 4 out of 5
Come and Find Me was written and directed by Zach Whedon. This well-told drama masterfully turns into a high-stakes suspense-thriller that leaves you questioning long after you have left the theater. Whedon’s storytelling, while unique, deftly demonstrates his ability to present audiences with an engaging film.