The movie version of falling in love generally takes a very linear emotional path. Boy meets girl, they face some contrived conflict and then they live happily ever after.

Anyone who's been in love can tell you that the path is rarely that simple. The new film from director Drake Doremus, "Like Crazy," shows the complications, questions and hurdles that often accompany affairs of the heart.

The film shows that falling in love is easy. Staying in love takes lots of work.

Central players in this practical look at romance are Jacob (Anton Yelchin) and Anna (Felicity Jones). Their relationship starts in typical film fashion, but when Anna stays in America a few days past her student visa, their world is torn apart.

The script by Doremus and Ben York Jones takes the relationship and throws real world problems at it. Can their love survive a long separation? Are both still as passionately committed to making it work? How do they sustain their love when new people come into their lives?

These are real questions that ground the love story and makes it a compelling tale.

Along with the smart script and creative direction, the film works because of solid performances by Yelchin and Jones. They are equally as compelling as the giddy new lovers as they are the confused estranged couple.

Doremus smartly allows the actors to play big moments with silence. Sometimes the best writing in a script is no writing at all, especially when you have actors talented enough to portray strong emotions with a look.

Jennifer Lawrence has only a small role in the film, playing Jacob's surrogate lover. Once again the young actress proves why she is headed for major stardom. In just a few moments of screen time she creates one of the most powerful moments of the film.

A less confident director might have felt compelled to go for a more Hollywood ending. Doremus stays true to his realistic vision and shows that all love stories don't end on an upbeat note.