Mackenzie is a disillusioned 25-year-old law student whose love life consists of non-committal hookups and situationships from hell. When she has a “real ife meet-cute” with Finn, a handsome and charming journalist who isn’t afraid to show affection, she starts to believe true love may actually exist. When Finn’s dark side begins to emerge, Mackenzie finds herself trapped in a tumultuous and depleting cycle of emotional abuse, and must confront whether her true love is too good to be true after all.

For in-depth thoughts on I Love You Forever, please see my colleague Phil Walsh’s review from its theatrical debut here.

Video Quality

I Love You Forever comes to Blu-Ray in a 1080p presentation that deftly translates the film to home viewing. While there is a bit more vibrancy in some moments, the film primarily portrays a more reserved, suppressed world that works well with the themes of abuse. Highlights are handled carefully with no instances of blooming, and the blacks are deep and do not give over to any crush or compression artifacts. The transfer executes every environment with the appropriate amount of care. The transfer reveals texture within the clothing, makeup, and production design that adds significant depth to the picture. Skin tones are detailed and natural all around. Utopia has put forth a truly stellar effort.

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray disc comes with an uncomplicated yet sturdy DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track that accomplishes everything that is asked of it. Dialogue comes through clearly without ever being overwhelmed by competing sounds. Environmental flourishes ground the story in an authentic locale teeming with life. The film uses music to set the tone as it flows through the room with a confident soundscape. The soundtrack adds some welcome texture to the low end at points. The sound design is not overly ambitious, but the sounds are positioned perfectly in the mix. This is a worthwhile release on all fronts. Optional English SDH subtitles provided.

Special Features

Opening Night Q&A: The cast and creative team take part in an 18-minute Q&A in which they discuss the intention of making the film, the tricky tonal balance, themes tackled in the film, the relatable aspects to the material, how they handled performing the dark material, and more.

Audience Interviews and Reactions: A minute-long compilation of reactions from the theater.

Deleted Scenes: A nearly two-minute unused scene that is worth viewing even if you understand why it was cut.

Outtakes & Bloopers: A 13-minute collection of flubbed moments, ruined takes, and more.

Behind the Scenes Still Gallery: A minute-long collection of stills from the production is provided.

Original Trailer (1:50)

Final Thoughts

I Love You Forever is a tonally tricky film that tackles difficult subject matter with the appropriate authenticity without ever becoming unbearably bleak. It is challenging to watch a person who should be so full of life have her spirit crushed by the toxic whims of someone who claims to love her, yet never acts in a loving manner. Sofia Black-D’Elia is so charming as our protagonist, and the scenes with her friends bring some necessary levity to the experience. The film does not deliver the catharsis you crave, but it is still a worthwhile viewing experience. Utopia has released a Blu-Ray featuring a fetching A/V presentation and some great special features. Recommended

I Love You Forever is currently available to purchase on Standard Edition Blu-Ray or with a Limited Edition Slipcover exclusively through Vinegar Syndrome/OCN Distribution.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Utopia & OCN Distribution have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.