‘Comet’ Creates Alternate Universe of Star-Crossed Lovers

Julianne Ishler

“Comet” isn’t just your typical romantic comedy. Set in a parallel universe, “Comet” shifts back and forth in time from over the course of six years as Kimberly and Dell fall in and out of love. Starring Justin Long and Emmy Rossum, the film follows their complicated and passionate relationship over the years.

Starting when the ever-pessimistic Dell (Long) finds out his mother has cancer; we get a glimpse at his character and relationship with high-spirited Kimberly (Rossum). Though their story is told out of order, we find out these two met at Hollywood Forever when seeing a meteor show. Kimberly, who is at the event with a shallow date, goes out of her way to save Dell from being hit by a car, and so begins their love story. Their adventures and sharp dialogue take them around the world to Paris, New York and Hollywood.

“Variety” compared the film to “Annie Hall” and “Don’t Look Now,” and pointed out the amazing chemistry between Long and Rossum. The film makes the viewer question the story of the film, as the characters refer to their relationship as “something of a dream.” While watching the film, you might question reality, if the characters are, in fact, dreaming.

The indie romantic comedy is written and directed by newcomer Sam Esmail, who makes his writing and directing debut with “Comet.” The film premiered in the Los Angeles Film Festival in June.

‘Comet’ will collide into theaters Dec. 5.