Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other

Maggie Barrett (75) has had a complex and rich life, but her writing dream never came to fruition. She has been with world-renowned street photographer Joel Meyerowitz (84) since 1990, and although they love each other dearly and have worked together several times, Maggie often struggles with his success.

Filmmakers Jacob Perlmutter and Manon Ouimet follow the couple in this elegantly filmed double portrait in their country home in Tuscany and their New York apartment. Through clear collages of images, the young years of Barrett and Meyerowitz are built up, first as two entities, side by side. Then the lovers appear mainly together in the picture. During everyday worries, successes, a painful rehabilitation and a move, the couple involuntarily takes stock.

This intimate relationship study shows from the inside out the complexity of a long-term commitment. With loving scenes and funny moments, but also a struggle with existential questions about mortality, and about being seen and appreciated. Old hurts, in the eye of this camera, can no longer be dismissed.