The critically acclaimed film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) is set in a world that seems so familiar but is truly extraordinary.

Written by Charlie Kaufman and directed by Michel Gondry, a French director known for his intensive visual style, the film does an exceptional job at portraying two humans with vulnerable emotions, leading normal yet confusing lives until an unexpected truth is discovered.

Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet) meet on a train and are almost immediately drawn to each other in spite of their contrasting personalities and expressions.

Joel has a very reserved, introverted persona and expresses himself occasionally, whereas Clementine is a fun-loving, assertive individual whose numerous hair colours act as a wonderful layout for her self-expression as well as give us an insight into her thoughts and feelings.

(Spoiler Alert!) The reason for their instant connection is revealed to us later, when we discover that this is not the first time they have met. They were, in fact, former lovers who erased each other’s memories with the help of a New York firm. Thus, most of the story takes place through flashbacks of their relationship inside Joel’s mind.

The science fiction aspect of the film does not clash with the authentic and romantic side of the story or the heartfelt characters, who, though they seem to be two random human beings, have such distinct and real personalities that act as a magnet to draw the viewers further in and see their relationship through their respective points of view.

Seeing this couple get another chance to explore their relationship after a complicated plot and a previous failed attempt is enough to make viewers hopeful for love!