THE REVIVAL OF ROM-COMS

ROM-COMS ARE COMING BACK

Are classic rom-coms officially back? That is a question asked by many after viewing the new film, directed by Will Gluck, Anyone But You. The movie premiered in New York on Dec. 11, 2023 and was available in theaters starting on Dec. 22, 2023.

The movie begins with two young adults, Beatrice and Ben, meeting and developing a crush on each other. However, they both have a misunderstanding on how the other one feels and soon share a mutual hatred for each other. Quickly, they realize they have mutual friends who are getting married. Beatrice and Ben are both invited to a destination wedding in Australia. Once arriving at the wedding, Beatrice notices her parents are trying to get her back with her ex boyfriend. To avoid this, Beatrice and Ben pretend to be in a relationship. That fake relationship soon blossoms into real feelings creating drama and excitement throughout the movie.

While the plot of the movie is excellent, what puts this movie into a category of “classic rom-coms” is the soundtrack and cast. With Sydney Sweeney as Beatrice and Glen Powell as Ben, the plot is brought to life through these actors. Along with that, the soundtrack features songs from Mac Miller, Dominic Fike, Fitz and the Tantrums, and of course, the highlight of the film, Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield. Because of the feature of Unwritten in the movie, it soon became trending on TikTok and many filmed themselves dancing while leaving the theater. Viewers truly feel like they are brought back to the 90s with classic films like Pretty Woman, Clueless, and 10 Things I Hate About You to name a few. This film is in comparison to those, but with a modern twist. 

Personally, this is the best movie I have seen in theaters in recent years. It felt like a typical Rom-Com, and I loved every second of the 103 minute movie. The casting was so phenomenal that many picked up on the chemistry between Sweeney and Powell and speculated an affair. Even though it was all just rumors, this movie received so much attention and attracted many to the theaters.

Will Gluck not only produced this phenomenal movie, but also other rom-coms like Easy A and Friends With Benefits. Through the scenery of Australia, the soundtrack, and the cast, this movie is for everyone. Share a laugh, maybe a tear, and definitely a smile while watching Anyone But You.