Which before movie should I watch first?

Navigating the Before Trilogy: Which Movie Should You Watch First? (And Why It Matters)

Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy – Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight – isn’t your typical cinematic romance. It eschews grand gestures and contrived plotlines for a profoundly realistic portrayal of a relationship unfolding over nearly two decades. The intimacy of the films hinges on the evolving dynamic between Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy), and the order in which you watch them is crucial to appreciating their emotional arc.

The simple answer, of course, is to watch them in chronological order: Before Sunrise, then Before Sunset, and finally Before Midnight. This is not just a suggestion; it’s essential for experiencing the full impact of the narrative. Each film builds directly upon the preceding one, revealing not just the progression of Jesse and Celine’s relationship, but also their individual personal growth (or lack thereof).

Starting with Before Sunrise is vital because it establishes the foundational spark. We meet Jesse and Celine as strangers, their connection ignited by a chance encounter on a train. Their whirlwind romance unfolds over a single day in Vienna, filled with philosophical discussions, shared secrets, and the intoxicating uncertainty of first love. This film lays the groundwork for their future, planting seeds of hope and doubt that will blossom (and sometimes wither) in the subsequent installments.

Before Sunset, nine years later, plunges us back into their lives. The reunion is bittersweet, charged with the weight of unspoken feelings and the realities of separate lives lived. The film’s claustrophobic setting – a Parisian bookshop and the fleeting hours before Jesse’s flight – amplifies the emotional intensity, forcing Jesse and Celine to confront the choices they’ve made and the paths not taken.

Finally, Before Midnight offers a brutally honest and poignant portrayal of a long-term relationship. Eighteen years after their initial meeting, we find Jesse and Celine facing the complexities of parenthood, career struggles, and the inevitable erosion of youthful idealism. The film doesn’t shy away from the mundane realities and simmering tensions that often define long-term partnerships, presenting a mature and nuanced perspective on love that transcends the romantic ideal.

Watching the films out of order would disrupt this carefully constructed narrative. The emotional resonance diminishes without the context provided by the previous films. The subtle shifts in their dynamic, the unspoken anxieties, and the quiet acceptance of their shared history – all hinge on experiencing the trilogy in its intended sequence. So, grab your coffee, settle in, and allow yourself to be swept away by the beautifully imperfect journey of Jesse and Celine. Just remember to start with Before Sunrise.