In the unspecified city of the present-day-adjacent time period, a new technology has taken hold among couples in the film Fingernails. This technology promises to eliminate uncertainty and prevent divorce by providing a foolproof test to determine if two people are truly in love. The test involves participants removing one fingernail each, resulting in some bloodshed. While this may seem like a physically daunting process, the film explores themes of yearning and the ineffable realm that cannot be quantified by apps and algorithms.
Fingernails is a modestly scaled feature written and directed by Greek filmmaker Christos Nikou. Starring the captivating Jessie Buckley, the film delves into the realm of intimate sci-fi speculation, where a couple’s peace of mind is dependent on a seemingly simple gadget. Working in collaboration with British screenwriter Sam Steiner and co-writer Stavros Raptis, Nikou presents a thought-provoking story that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
The film follows schoolteacher Anna (Jessie Buckley) and her partner Ryan (Jeremy Allen White), whose relationship was confirmed three years ago when the test indicated they were in love. The test results can be either positive (indicating a genuine connection), zero (indicating no love), or 50% (indicating only one person is in love). While Anna and Ryan’s positive result initially brought them relief, Anna still feels restless and unsatisfied. Their interactions in their vintage home suggest that they are not on the same page. Ryan, played with comic-poignant perfection by Jeremy Allen White, is content with their routine, while Anna’s questions persist, leading her down a path of deception.
Anna takes a job at a downtown love institute, pretending to still be a teacher. The love institute conducts the fingernail procedure and prepares couples for the test. Anna’s boss, Duncan (Luke Wilson), is a divorced dad who has developed exercises to enhance intimacy between couples seeking confirmation of their love. The purpose of the program, whether to increase the chances of good test results or ease the disappointment of bad ones, remains unclear. However, as the film’s speculative science is rooted in absurdity, any small inconsistencies in the setup are easily overlooked.
Anna’s orientation at the institute is filled with deadpan humor, and beneath the surface lies an underlying need for validation that resonates with both clients and employees alike. She forms a connection with Amir (Riz Ahmed), a coworker who is training her. The performances by Jessie Buckley and Riz Ahmed are exceptional in their stillness and cautious chemistry, as their unspoken attraction develops. Their friendship deepens during an institute party when Anna becomes infatuated with Amir’s expressive dance moves and discovers that Natasha (Annie Murphy), the woman he presents as his partner, is not who she claims to be.
As Anna and Amir guide couples through various tests and exercises, such as singing to each other in French and jumping out of planes, they become particularly invested in a young couple named Rob (Christian Meer) and Sally (Amanda Arcuri). However, a lingering question arises: Why do these couples seek external “proof” of their happiness if they are genuinely content? This question becomes even more significant when Amir and Anna perform the actual scientific test, which involves placing fingernail specimens into a minimalist machine resembling a retro-futuristic kitchen oven. The test results are displayed on a low-resolution screen within seconds, dictating major life decisions.
While Fingernails dismantles the notion that romance can serve as a goalpost, it does so in a fantastical yet grounded manner. The film seamlessly transitions between surreal daytime workplace scenes and revelatory nighttime conversations. The cinematography by Marcell Rév, along with Yorgos Zafeiris’ editing, captures the striking geometry of the Toronto locations, grounding the story’s moody restraint in a dynamic cityscape where surprises can occur unexpectedly. Composer Christopher Stracey’s score aligns with Anna’s fervent desire to believe, beautifully portrayed by Jessie Buckley, and Amir’s reassurances, conveyed subtly by Riz Ahmed. The lasting impact of the film lies not in its brief moments of gore but in Anna’s cries of confusion and Amir’s quiet words of comfort. It highlights the universal longing to trust one’s heart amidst the overwhelming noise of data and information.
In conclusion, Fingernails is a compelling film that explores the complexities of human connection and the limitations of technology in determining love. With its stellar performances, intelligent writing, and adept direction, the film invites viewers to ponder the enigmatic nature of love and the role of personal perception in matters of the heart.
