Ramblings About Newness on Netflix

Lately, I’ve been staying up late because my body clock has changed since ECQ started. I realized that I’m more productive after 12 midnight, which is why I usually work during the wee hours of the night. I guess it’s really effective because I can get ta lot of things done by 6am or even 8am. However, I also admit that there are nights when I just want to relax and treat myself to a good movie. There was actually a time when I can write an article while watching a film on Netflix. That was not a good practice as I either end up finishing a just-okay output or fail to understand what the entire move is all about. 

Today, at around 1AM, I lost my interest in completing all my pending tasks. I felt physically exhausted, which surprising since my work schedule is manageable. I don’t even have urgent tasks to complete for my clients. In fact, I’m at the point of my life where everything feels wonderful. Nonetheless, I still felt emotionally drained. I don’t know why, but that emotion made me ditch all my to-dos and binge watch in Netflix. I started catching up on this Kdrama that I’m watching. After finishing one episode, I decided to look for another movie. I wanted to try something new so I browsed the selection available for almost five minutes.

Then, I came across this Netflix original film called “Newness.”

The synopsis seems interesting so I chose that movie for the night. The way the film was made is brilliant. At first, I thought it’s another fucked up movie in Netflix. It’s about two strangers who kept on having meaningless flings and one-night stands with random people. In one of their bad dates, they decided to use an app called “Winx” and started swiping left and right. They matched and immediately decided to meet up.

To cut the long story short, they ended spending the night together and somehow, they became lovers. This plot actually made me want to stop the movie and search for another one. Other people may have a different view about dating apps, but for me, it is impossible for a good relationship to start from it. I’m not saying that there is zero probability that it’s going to happen. I’ve heard success stories about it, but I still refuse to believe that love can be developed through these apps. 

Anyway, since there is always a part of me that is eager to finish what I started, I decided to just continue watching the film and see how it’s going to end. I guess I was right about my views on dating apps because this couple eventually decided to be in an open relationship. Each of them agreed that they can continue to use “Winx” and sleep with other people while they are still together. It was actually the girl’s idea to do it, since she believed that being in a monogamous relationship will bore both of them. It was fun at first, but they eventually found out that it was destroying their relationship.

Again, this is the part where I said to myself, “HELLO??? How fucked up is that situation?” Let me make myself clear. I’m not saying that open relationships do not work, because there are some people who are really doing it. However, for me, it’s not the kind of relationship I’d like to have. It is different if someone is single because he or she can actually date as many people as she can. It’s a different thing if he or she is in a relationship because there is another person who may end up getting hurt for whatever action he or she will take. 

Eventually, they started feeling left out and jealous because of their status. Both of them are hurting, but no one wanted to admit because they wanted to act cool. They wanted to make each other feel that they are enjoying the game when it’s actually causing them emotional suffering. I think the saddest part of the movie was when the guy had a dilemma and he wanted to talk to his girlfriend. All he wanted was someone to listen to him. However, that night, his girlfriend slept with another man so she went home tired and wanted to sleep. Needless to say, she chose to rest instead of talking to her boyfriend. That was really devastating for the guy, but he said nothing about it. He continued acting like everything is okay.

Towards the end of the movie, they decided to part ways. I thought that was a good ending. I knew that they’re not gonna end up together. Their situation is so fucked up. Well, I was wrong. They reconciled at the end. The best part of the movie was actually their last conversation. Here it goes:

G: I really want you, only you.

B: I want you.

G: I think we’re going to get bored of each other.

B: That’s okay. You know, bored is okay.

G: We’re going to resent each other, too.

B: We’ll remind each other why we’re worth it.

G: I will disappoint you.

B: I will disappoint you.

G: You promise?

B: Yes.

G: You promise me.

B: I promise you.

I’m glad I waited for the movie to end. That conversation was beautiful. It tells us that being in a relationship can get boring at times. The more you stay in a relationship, the lesser fun it would be. The thrill is going to be gone for a while, which is why couples need to work on it. It can also be disappointing. Despite this, it can also be rewarding and happy. It feels good to be with someone who accepts everything about you and doesn’t make a big deal of your shortcomings. This is the beauty of being in a relationship. It can be boring but somehow satisfying.

Just to be clear… My position about finding love from dating apps is still firm. I do not believe in it. It could happen to anyone, but not for me. 

However, after watching the movie, I felt happy because I re-discovered that I really want to be in a relationship no matter how boring and routinary it may be. Being in a relationship requires a lot of patience and understanding. You have to make it work in order to make it last. There is no easy way to do it. 

Okay, the post is about to end now and I’m not sure if I even made a point here. I just want to remember how I felt about watching Newness. I would like to state once again that I do not wish to offend anyone about my thoughts here. This is my personal view about the topic and I apologize if this contradicts to someone’s view. Remember, to each his own.