Directed by Drake Doremus, Newness (2017) offers a poignant examination of modern romance in the age of dating apps and instant gratification. Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, the film follows Martin (Nicholas Hoult) and Gabi (Laia Costa), two millennials who meet through a Tinder-like app and embark on a relationship that challenges their understanding of love, commitment, and emotional vulnerability in a culture obsessed with novelty.

The film's strength lies in its authentic portrayal of contemporary dating dynamics, where swiping right has replaced traditional courtship. Doremus directs with an intimate, naturalistic style that captures both the exhilarating highs and painful lows of Martin and Gabi's evolving relationship. The performances are particularly compelling—Hoult brings a nuanced vulnerability to his portrayal of a physical therapist seeking deeper connection, while Costa delivers a layered performance as a pharmacy technician navigating her own emotional boundaries.

What makes Newness worth watching is its unflinching honesty about how technology mediates human connection. The film doesn't offer easy answers but instead presents complex characters struggling with monogamy, trust, and the eternal human desire for both security and excitement. With its thoughtful exploration of how digital culture shapes our most intimate relationships, Newness provides a resonant viewing experience for anyone curious about love in the 21st century.