Fragile and Fleeting Loves

Blue Valentine is a romantic drama that’s difficult to watch because it painstakingly marries Dean’s hope to Cindy’s despondency: I couldn’t decide whether or not I wanted the two to stay together or whether or not it would be good for them to continue on their up and down, but mostly downward path. Even if Dean and Cindy were to rekindle their love, would it matter in the long run? I sympathized with Dean’s desire to stay true to his marriage vows, but I also understood Cindy’s depression, disillusionment, and realization that their marriage may have been a mistake. It’s fair to wonder if she ever really loved him, or if she settled against her better judgment while in a moment of heart-wrenching vulnerability.