It is predictable, with dim characters, a slow pace and no sense of location whatsoever. But then there are bursts of surprising cleverness and some genuinely funny moments.

A tremendously timely movie about revolutionaries, extremism, authoritarianism, hypocrisy, freedom and family. It is exhilarating, brilliant, insightful, thought-provoking and extremely captivating.

Its premise just doesn’t work. It causes some serious tonal shifts that hang over the movie’s themes like a massive distraction.

It is too strange to imagine it becoming a commercial success and not insightful enough to become an art house hit. Those looking for a strictly traditional romance will likely be confused. However, it is worth the trip for those seeking a slight spin on the familiar.