Where Was Netflix’s “Look Both Ways” Filmed?

Choose your own path through the filming locations in Netflix’s Look Both Ways.

After a drunken hook-up with her best friend, Gabe (Danny Ramirez,) 22-year old Natalie Bennet’s life changes forever. But does it have to? From the moment she finds out the results of the pregnancy test, watch her life play out in two separate timelines: as a mother in Austin, Texas or as a writer in Los Angeles, California.

Follow Natalie (Lili Reinhart) through her parallel lives halfway around the world as she struggles to find her own identities in both of these cities.

SPOILER WARNING!

Vancouver Public Library

The Vancouver Public Library provides a backdrop for the opening scene in Look Both Ways. This public library in Canada masquerades as The University of Texas in Austin for these all important moments. The library introduces the audience to both Natalie and Gabe, and sets the tone of their respective characters for the entirety of the film. Here, Natalie is studying relentlessly to ensure she graduates with honors and follows her five-year plan, meanwhile Gabe is toasting a flask and reminding her that they will graduate soon, therefore they should live in the moment. It is ironic that among these historians, the characters are reveling in all the plans and choices the future holds. These hallways will forever ask future visitors the same question Natalie asks Gabe: What will you do with this present moment?

Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge

The Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge in Austin captures another important step in Gabe and Natalie’s relationship. It is on this bridge that Natalie tells Gabe about the pregnancy, in both timelines. The moment she says “I’m pregnant.” or “I am not pregnant” determines how the two exist in relationship to each other for the rest of their lives. The bridge is also featured at the end of the film, when in one timeline Gabe and Natalie confess their love for one another. The circular nature of Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge is a perfect symbol for not only the characters intertwined destinies, but also the ability of the story to literally come full circle. The Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge is worth a visit, if not for the breathtaking views, then for the hope of finding your own destiny on this symbol of infinity.

Aba Austin

Aba Austin features as the meeting spot between Natalie and Jake (David Corenswet,) her alternate timeline love interest. After moving to Los Angeles with her best friend Cara (played by Aisha Dee,) Natalie fails to secure a job or even a single interview. On a whim, Natalie decides to attend a party hosted by Tall Story, the company she is hoping will employ her.  She enters the building but is discouraged when the party is guest-list only. Jake swoops in and encourages her to sneak in, all the while knowing that the person she hopes to meet will not be attending. He does, however, work for Tall Story and moves Natalie’s resume to the top of the pile. Aba Austin provides a chic background that exaggerates Natalie’s “new in town” naivety and pushes the audience to root for her success. In addition to ambiance, Aba Austin displays an array of delicious Mediterranean meals for everyone to enjoy, no deception necessary.

Aquafarina Restaurant

Canada is once again standing in for a big city with the Aquafarina Restaurant in Vancouver. Blending in perfectly with downtown LA, Aquafarina illuminates Natalie’s first date with Jake in her California lifestyle timeline. The two become wrapped in a conversation about fate and destiny, and all the paths you’re “supposed” to take. This leads to a swoon-worthy moment where Jake asserts that he was meant to be here because he was meant to meet Natalie. The Aquafarina Restaurant’s French cuisine adds a layer of romance to any of the meals you choose to eat here, whether it is with your soulmate, or with a plate of fresh oysters.

Stubb’s Bar

Stubb’s Bar is featured during Gabe’s big break as a musician, with the same band he played with in college. In one timeline, Natalie and their daughter Rosie join him in the bar as he performs, with Natalie’s parents finally accepting his career as a musician. Meanwhile, in the other timeline, Natalie and Cara stumble across his band, and Natalie, fresh off a breakup with Jake, realizes she missed her opportunity with Gabe, as he is now happily married. According to its website, Stubb’s regularly hosts live music with upcoming artists, providing a (possible) big break for future dreamers like Gabe.

South By SouthWest Music and Film Festival

South By SouthWest Music and Film Festival is featured near the conclusion of Look Both Ways. This festival, located in Austin, is a pivotal moment for Natalie in both timelines. On the one hand, she is invited to speak on an animation panel after her comic inspired by Rosie goes viral, while in the other, she produces and directs a short film that is then submitted to South By Southwest Music and Film Festival. Every year, the South By Southwest Music and Film Festival “celebrates the convergence of the tech, film, and music industries.” The dates for the 2023 festival are March 10th – March 19th, so you have plenty of time to make your own discoveries.

Paramount Theatre Austin

The Paramount Theatre Austin is showcased in all its glory as the first theater to play Natalie’s short film in her LA timeline. The theater also happens to be where she crosses paths with Jake for the first time since their breakup. In fact, Jake is outside the theater begging for tickets to her sold out premiere. He confronts Natalie, apologizes for the way he treated their long distance relationship, and asks her for a second chance. She hesitates, accepting his apology and leaning in to kiss him, sealing the rekindled relationship with Jake as her fate in Los Angeles. As if Natalie’s day could not be any better, her boss at Tall Story has come to the premiere, and apologizes for not doing more to help Natalie with her portfolio. Ecstatic, Natalie greatly accepts the offer for a mentorship and the scene fades away focused on a marquee with Natalie’s name in big letters. The Paramount Theatre Austin is no stranger to iconic performers such as Natalie. Inside these hallowed halls, there have been legends such as Harry Houdini, Katharine Hepburn and Miles Davis, all starting out with a dream and a plan, like Natalie once did.

Stream Look Both Ways on Netflix now!

Daleney Teske

Contributing Editor

Daleney is a Minnesota native, who considers herself an entertainment junkie. She never travels anywhere without a good book and headphones for the long rides and is always looking forward to the next new experience.