Look Both Ways

Lili Reinhart’s Dual Role in Look Both Ways: Netflix’s Bold What-If Romance

Netflix’s Look Both Ways (2022) dropped with a premise as intriguing as its title: What if a single pregnancy test could split a life into two parallel realities? Directed by Wanuri Kahiu (Rafiki), the film stars Lili Reinhart (Riverdale) as Natalie, a recent college grad whose future hinges on that fateful pee stick. In one timeline, she’s a single mom navigating career sacrifices and unexpected joy; in the other, she’s a free-spirited artist chasing dreams in LA with her best friend (Aisha Dee). latestnetflix.com's view is that the dual narratives—packaged as a rom-com-meets-drama—sparked curiosity, but behind the scenes, the project’s reception was just as divided as its plotlines.

A Star-Studded Gamble on "What If?"

Reinhart, who executive produced the film, took on the challenge of playing two versions of Natalie, a role that demanded emotional range without veering into melodrama. The supporting cast—Danny Ramirez (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier), David Corenswet (Hollywood), and Luke Wilson—rounded out the two realities, with Wilson’s Jake serving as the linchpin between Natalie’s divergent paths. Kahiu’s direction leaned into the film’s tonal whiplash, blending humor with heavier themes of regret and self-discovery .

But the film’s ambition didn’t shield it from criticism. Some viewers praised its fresh take on the "sliding doors" trope, calling it a "surprisingly excellent" showcase for Reinhart’s dramatic chops . Others dismissed it as "cliché-filled" and beneath the actress’s talent, arguing the script relied too heavily on familiar rom-com beats . The mixed reactions mirrored the film’s own duality: Was it a clever exploration of life’s crossroads or a missed opportunity for deeper storytelling?

Behind the Scenes: Netflix’s Quiet Release

Unlike Netflix’s usual fanfare for original films, Look Both Ways arrived with little pre-release buzz. The official trailer teased the film’s high-concept premise but left audiences guessing about its tone—was it a lighthearted rom-com or a heavier character study? The answer, as it turned out, was both. The soundtrack, featuring original music, aimed to underscore the emotional swings between Natalie’s two lives , though it didn’t generate the same attention as the film’s visual storytelling.

Rumors about Reinhart’s personal connection to the material swirled online, with some speculating the role resonated with her own experiences. However, no confirmed details about her involvement beyond acting and producing emerged from the available evidence . Similarly, while the cast’s chemistry was a highlight for some, there were no verified behind-the-scenes anecdotes about on-set dynamics or directorial challenges.

The Verdict: A Divisive Experiment

With a middling 5.3/10 rating on SensCritique , Look Both Ways didn’t become a breakout hit, but it didn’t flop either. Its strength lay in its premise—a rarity in a genre often criticized for playing it safe. For fans of Reinhart, it offered a chance to see her stretch beyond Riverdale’s teen drama. For others, it was a reminder that high-concept films walk a tightrope between innovation and cliché.

The film’s legacy may hinge on whether audiences revisit it as a cult favorite or file it away as a "what if?" of another kind: What if Netflix had leaned harder into the drama—or the comedy? For now, Look Both Ways remains a curious footnote in 2022’s streaming landscape, a movie that dared to ask, "What’s next?"—and left viewers debating the answer.