'Look Both Ways' Review: Why the Netflix Drama Starring Lili Reinhart Misses the Mark

Director Wanuri Kahiu, speaking with Variety, acknowledged the timing of the film, which debuted two months into a post-Roe world, but ultimately says that Look Both Ways is “not necessarily about choice.” 

“I’m so devastated by what happened with Roe v. Wade because it affects so many people, not only in the US, but all the policies that have been funded as a result internationally,” Kahiu, who is Kenyan, said. “Even though this film is not necessarily about choice, I love that it tells any young woman that regardless of which way your life goes, if you truly follow your heart, you’ll be good. You’re making the right decision for yourself.”

In a separate interview with the publication, Reinhart doubles down on the idea that good intentions and the perseverance of the human spirit will always win—no matter the obstacles, systemic or otherwise. 

“There’s a happy ending here, and there’s not one life that’s worse or better than the other,” Reinhart tells Variety. “And I think that honestly was the goal, and what we wanted people to take away from the film is that you have options and your life doesn’t have to look a certain way for you to feel happy.”

As much as I want to believe that what Reinhart is saying is true, I found it hard—even as a relatively optimistic youngish adult—not to cringe my way through Look Both Ways. Maybe I’ve seen too much to believe that everything always turns out okay. In 2022 it’s hard, and maybe even a little naive, not to be cynical about life…to, metaphorically speaking, look both ways. But pretending that everything will always turn out well isn’t the solution either.