Love In Cinema

As most of us are aware, the year is ending and it is time for a hallmark of entertainment events. Possibly one of the most prestigious award ceremonies of the year; that’s right, “The Academy Awards.” However, in relation to film at least, that is not what I am here to talk about. ‘Tis the season of love according to Saint Valentine, and there have been quite a few films this year that have followed suit. While some of them are a typical “lovey-dovey” Rom-Com, most were exploring themes of love (or lust) in different ways through the medium of the motion picture. In this article, I want to bring some of the less obvious (and some obvious) ones to light.

First off, I have to mention possibly the first one I saw this year: It Ends With Us. This film starred Blake Lively–famous works of Gossip Girl, Green Lantern, and being Ryan Gosling’s wife–and two other men who really are only notable due to their “Prince Charming” looks (certainly not their acting). This film really had me perplexed, as I had gone into it with the assumption that it was just another Rom-Com. My friend, who knew the plot, deliberately lied to me about the themes of this film, and I went into it expecting a light-hearted “fun-bad” movie. The two hour and 10 minute long movie wasn’t that, and was instead a look into domestic violence and how it can plague families. Now, while it certainly hammers this theme home, it was sort of like swallowing a pill with boiling hot tea. The contents of this movie were important, but the way in which they were delivered was not so pleasant. That being said, I am not here to be a film critic, so I digress. The film chooses to show the dark sides of love, and how it can lead to hurt. I would not say I recommend this piece of media to anyone who wants a commentary on such a serious theme, but instead I would recommend this as a “fun-bad” movie with some over-the-top abuse scenes and two steaming hot male leads (the male nudité is QUITE present, and definitely appeals to a certain audience).

On the other side of the love spectrum, I want to bring up Wicked. The, *ahem*, nearly three hour long motion picture, is an adaptation of a beloved musical with the same title. Unlike the musical however, it takes three hours to just cover the first part. This movie showcases a multitude of themes, however I want to focus on the love themes–and no, not the romance kind. In my opinion, one of the main things driving the plot forward is actually the platonic love between Elphaba and G(a)linda. This, to me, is a main plot, and all other romantic love plotlines are subplots. Indeed, Wicked is a commentary on societal norms in regards to physical appearance; however, it is also a commentary on how friendship can save people, and how it can hurt them too. The main friendship between the two protagonists represents a balance of Yin and Yang in this magical world, and how together they are “Unlimited–” the film makes that obvious. What is more subtextual though, is how this friendship–this platonic love–can just as equally harm both parties just as much as it can bolster them. Right at the climax of the film, G(a)linda chooses not to leave with Elphaba. What results from this is Elphaba turning “evil” (represented by her former blanket-turned-cape expanding to comically large proportions) and fleeing away. This betrayal of friendship single handedly transforms Elphaba into the “Wicked Witch of the West.” Now, while this movie had extremes within the confines of a PG rating, this next movie will go beyond that.

Dr. Fabricant attributes this film as “riveting,” and says that one of the stars, Josh O’Connor, is “one of the greats of his generation.” The film is drenched in fame, destiny, lust, love, and tennis; a sexy drama decorated with a top notch (and again, steaming hot) cast, Challengers explores a complicated power dynamic disguised as a love triangle. This film explores how love–sexual, romantic, etc–can be used to have power over someone. One of the protagonists, Tashi, becomes unable to pursue her tennis glory dreams after an accident. Following this, Tashi decides to live out her dreams through one of the male leads, Art. Art’s life becomes completely controlled in all departments by Tashi, with his permission. He loves her so much, he is willing to give everything for her; and Tashi is fully aware of this. Throughout the whole film, Art acts as if Tashi has a leash encroaching on his lungs and puncturing his larynx. The movie definitely does a good job of showcasing this toxic power dynamic, and serves it on a plate with vibrant OST and dynamic cinematography. I absolutely would recommend this movie to anyone.

Next on the list is quite frankly one of the best films to have released this year in general. This film shares the name of the place in which it takes place, Sing Sing. A compelling screenplay, performances that effortlessly reel in the tears from your heart, and just a beautiful visual accompaniment of camera work; this film is certainly one to be enjoyed. The story is quite simple: a man who is imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, finds joy and refuge in the theater rehabilitation program in prison. At its core though, the film is about love for the arts, and love in comradery. The protagonist’s perspective in this film is a way to display how the whole cast’s love for performing brings people together during extreme adversity, and also how their love for each other heals each of them. The pain of prison breaks the cast only for them to save each other with their love. I highly recommend this artwork, for love or for entertainment.

Last but not least on this list, I have to mention one of the most sensually provocative films of the year. Coming in at the tail end of the year, just in time for Oscars, we have a sexually appetizing gothic fairy tale. These words are not usually seen together, but Robert Eggers brought in Willem Dafoe so anything is possible. An interesting spin on the Dracula motif, Nosferatu is a new version of its 1922 predecessor. This film centers around a woman who is cursed to be a vampire’s bride, due to the vampire’s profound appetite–this being of sexual nature. Love in this film is overshadowed by pure sexuality; however, love is still apparent. The love that the protagonist’s (human) husband has for the protagonist is ever present in this film, and is the main reason why the cast vanquishes the vampire. He is willing to go so far as to let another man (creature?) bone his wife if it means she is freed from said creature’s curse.

This year’s film selection has been full of love in every direction. Next time you watch a movie, try to think about where you see love in it. I believe we all could use a little more love in some part of our lives, and that we should all spread it. Love also comes in all shapes and sizes, and what better way to showcase the diversity of these displays than with the iris of film?

2024-2025 Edition 2