True Love, Inspiration, and the Adjustment Bureau

One of my mentors Dr. John DeMartini used to say that when a movie evokes a powerful emotional response in you, such as tears of inspiration, it gives you a clue to your values, if not your life’s purpose (or Telos). I recently watched the sci-fi thriller The Adjustment Bureau on Netflix and it had me in tears.

The Adjustment Bureau is a romantic thriller that follows the story of David Norris (Matt Damon) a charismatic politician, and Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt), a talented ballet dancer. The two meet by chance and feel an instant, profound connection. However, their budding romance is thwarted by mysterious forces known as the Adjustment Bureau.

These enigmatic agents, led by Richardson, are responsible for ensuring that events in the lives of individuals go according to a predetermined plan set by a higher power referred to as "the Chairman." When they discover David and Elise's burgeoning romance, which was not part of the plan, they attempt to keep the couple apart, insisting it will lead to disaster.

Despite the Bureau's efforts to separate them, David and Elise continue to find ways to be together. Their love becomes a symbol of free will and choice, defying the Bureau's strict control over their destinies.

The Bureau is astounded by the resilience of their connection. At one point they bring in Uber agent Thompon to put an end to their connection and one of the tactics he uses is to show David the mediocre existence and end of both his dreams and Elise’s, because they are together.

David is fated to become president after 4 successful terms in the Senate, and Elise is to become one of the worlds greatest dancers and choreographers.

I am emotionally moved by their mutual desire to be together despite not only the forces arrayed against them, but in sacrifice to their most cherished personal dreams.

I am astounded when I learn, at the same time as the other characters, that a powerful reason they continue to find themselves pulled to each other is that there are previous “other” versions of the plan, and that in each previous version, they were meant to be together.

So why not now? What changed? Apparently, the pain and emptiness that each experience in their lives drives them to their worldly success. But if they are together, that is enough for them.

I am plagued by these questions of love and destiny. How many versions and how many timelines are we experiencing? And are we too, missing the one we were supposed to be with, in service to a great destiny? Or are we diminishing ourselves in service to love? Is there a version of time where we are our best self and in connection with a romantic other who is also experiencing the same expansion?

In the end, the Chairman decides to change the plan. We don’t know the details other than there is alignment in the plan with David and Elise being together. The movie's romantic viewpoint celebrates the idea that love can conquer all, even the forces of destiny and predestination.

And in the end, isn’t that what we all want?