The Netflix original film “Look Both Ways” is directed by Wanuri Kahiu and centres on the life of Natalie. When she uses a pregnancy test the evening of her college graduation, she finds herself at a crossroads. Here, her life splits into two distinct directions. When the test is positive in one case, the woman chooses to have the baby while putting her career on hold. If the test is negative in the alternate reality, she gladly travels to Los Angeles to pursue her goals. Even though the movie is undoubtedly fiction, it features a plot that is detached from a larger story. You might be wondering if “Look Both Ways” is based on a book as many Netflix movies are book adaptations. Here’s what you need to know if that’s the case.
Is Look Both Ways a Film or a Book?
No, “Look Both Ways” is not a book-based film. April Prosser wrote the script from scratch. The narrative centres on Natalie’s trip, and despite the fact that it goes in two distinct routes, we learn that whatever direction her life goes, everything works out beautifully for Natalie. This upbeat element of the plot appealed to actress Lili Reinhart, who also serves as the movie’s producer in addition to playing the lead role. She said on Today that when she first read the script more than two and a half years ago, she found it to be “so heartwarming” and that she “really loved how in both lives for this young woman there was no right or wrong path, there was no bad life, so I just thought ‘This girl ends up being okay in both lives’, and that was really reassuring to me.
Since she experienced a similar event during her own pregnancy, which was the turning moment in her life, the story was relatable for director Wanuri Kahiu, whose first foray into Hollywood as a director. In the sense that I can still clearly recall the precise moment I found out I was pregnant and how I practically witnessed my life take a comparable course, I felt like it [the movie] was somewhat based on my life. It definitely appealed to me because I think there are parallel lives and different existences,” she told Variety.
Although they appear to be very different from one another, the protagonist’s life in the movie follows two separate paths, and in both of them, she encounters her fair share of difficulties and heartbreaks. The producers intended for this movie to inspire viewers to live their lives without looking back, no matter the choices they make. Because the story’s pivotal moment revolves around the lead character’s pregnancy, it also has special resonance in contemporary America.
Even though the script had been in development for a few years, “Look Both Ways” wasn’t made public until after Roe v. Wade was overturned. The director was aware of its date. “I’m so heartbroken by what happened with Roe v. Wade because it has such a wide-ranging effects on not only Americans but also everyone across the world thanks to all the programmes that have been supported as a result abroad. Even though this movie isn’t strictly about making a decision, I adore the message it sends to young girls: No matter what path your life takes, if you sincerely follow your heart, you’ll be good. You’re selecting the best course of action for yourself, she continued.
After taking all of this into account, we can say that even if the movie isn’t based on a true story or a book, it portrays Natalie’s decisions in a very realistic manner and gives the audience a really heartwarming and affirming message.