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Being unfamiliar with this movie before going to see it, my expectations were undefined. I had performed a bit of research, looking into the characters, however the storyline and plot were left unknown. Ryan Gosling is a tormented young adult confiding in his therapist, Ewan McGregor. Ryan Gosling caught my eye because I had seen him in 'The United States of Leland,' which I enjoyed and was interested to see him in something new. He also acted in 'The Notebook,' however I have not seen it. Additionally, Ewan McGregor, who I first saw and enjoyed in 'Moulin Rouge' and his later performances, including the young Ed Blum in 'Big Fish'.

The storyline of the film is interesting and the director's cinematic techniques complement the feel of what the characters are going through. The basic plot summary is a young adult, Henry Letham, played by Ryan Gosling, is partially discussing with his therapist, Sam Foster, played by Ewan McGregor, of his plan to kill himself on his 21st birthday. Sam just recently became Henry's therapist because Beth, played by Janeane Garofalo, who has been Henry's therapist, has taken a leave of absence due to 'exhaustion.'

As the movie progresses Sam is struggling to help Henry, while at the same time being sidetracked by his girlfriend, Lila Culpepper, played by Naomi Watts, who has recovered from attempting suicide, but has stopped taking her medication. While trying to find trust in her and not doubt his capabilities as a therapist, Sam attempts to reach Henry.

This film addresses the question of what is reality. Is it what we believe we perceive, are we not capable of perceiving the enormity of it all, or is it a dream? Director, Marc Forster, who also directed the movies Monster's Ball, Finding Neverland, as well as others, captivatingly conveys the complexity and rational of reality.