SXSW Movie Review: One & Two

By Brad Henderson

One & Two is the best superhero origin movie ever despite the fact that it’s not based on any existing superheroes and is a completely original story. It’s rad as hell.

The story revolves around a brother and sister—Eva (Mad Men‘s Kiernan Shipka) and Zac (Timothée Chalamet)—who share something special: They are able to do something that no one else can. Their mother has severe seizures and the clock is ticking down to her last remaining days. Their father is an emotional trainwreck from trying to cope with his wife and what he knows his children can do. Eva and Zac spend their nights playing around with their capabilities, but their father forbids it and asks them numerous times to stop. One night something life changing happens to their family and the father kicks Eva out of their home. From then on, it’s up to Eva to make the biggest decision of her life.

I know I’m being vague on what these siblings can do, but I think it should be kept secret because it’s quite the surprise when you see it happen in the movie. Otherwise you’ll expect it and it won’t be as cool.

One & Two has amazing visuals. It’s surprising to me that an indie can look so much better than most Hollywood blockbusters. The powers that Eva and Zac possess are something we are familiar with, but once you see One & Two, you’ll wonder why other films can’t make superpowers look just as good.

One & Two isn’t an action adventure story; it’s more of a relationship drama about a bond between brother and sister. So don’t expect a typical superhero film, but a low-key origin story with a lot of drama. Superhero movies tend to lack character development and the depiction of relationships. It seems that many comic book fans only want action-action-action and minimal story. But I like to become connected with the characters on their journey, even if it’s a small one.

I’m stoked to see what director Andrew Droz Palermo brings us next. This movie is accomplished and doesn’t seem like his first feature. He’s previously worked with Adam Wingard as the DP on You’re Next, which shows that he definitely knows how to handle a camera. Even though One & Two is a simple story with little action, it’s still a beautiful film about the bond between siblings and how you’ll do anything for the people that you love.