Jennifer Lopez’s latest film, “This Is Me…Now: A Love Story,” draws inspiration from her romantic journey with Ben Affleck, albeit with a unique twist. While Affleck does make appearances in the Amazon original, his role is not exactly what viewers might expect.
In the film directed by Dave Meyers, Affleck’s cameos are fleeting and enigmatic. In some scenes, his face remains obscured, while in others, he appears incognito as a newscaster named Rex Stone. Meyers and Lopez deliberately made this creative decision to underscore Lopez’s personal growth during her time apart from Affleck.
The storyline of “This Is Me…Now: A Love Story” portrays a fictionalized version of Lopez navigating various stages of her life over the past two decades, including three failed marriages, toxic relationships, and bouts of self-doubt, all set against the backdrop of her new album. Although the narrative eventually leads Lopez back to Affleck, his face is never fully revealed on screen.
Instead, Affleck’s presence is symbolized through his portrayal as newscaster Rex Stone, whose broadcasts intermittently appear throughout the film. This decision was influenced by Meyers’ desire to convey Affleck’s continuous presence in Lopez’s life, even during periods of separation. Meyers drew inspiration from a private book of love letters gifted to Lopez by Affleck, which served as a tangible reminder of their enduring connection.
Additionally, the film includes a memorable moment featuring Lopez riding on the back of Affleck’s motorcycle, which was inspired by a real-life photograph captured in 2002. This iconic image, depicting Affleck and Lopez exuding happiness, was recreated in the film to symbolize the essence of their “perfect love” during that era.
Meyers and Lopez’s collaboration on “This Is Me…Now: A Love Story” allowed them to explore Lopez’s personal journey and artistic evolution over the past two decades. Despite challenges and skepticism surrounding the project, Meyers found inspiration in Lopez and Affleck’s unwavering support for each other, both personally and professionally.
The film premiered in Los Angeles with Lopez and Affleck gracing the red carpet together, showcasing their enduring bond and mutual admiration. Lopez’s emotional gratitude towards Affleck during the screening underscored the profound impact of their relationship on her life and creative endeavors.
“This Is Me…Now: A Love Story” is now available for streaming on Prime Video, offering audiences a glimpse into Lopez’s journey of self-discovery and love.
