Everyone has a comfort movie, and If you enjoy the classic rom-com because you know what to expect and are assured a happy ending, “Anything But You” delivers.
“Anyone But You” hit movie theaters beginning on Dec. 22, 2023, and features an enemies-to-lovers dynamic between main characters Ben, Glen Powell, and Bea, Sydney Sweeney. After the two meet in a coffee shop and go on a date, their chemistry is undeniable and the future looks promising; That is until everything goes horribly wrong.They go their separate ways, but six months later, they unexpectedly meet again at a destination wedding. With exes and interfering family members, they decide to fake-date to get through the wedding. Ben and Bea do their best to keep up the lie, despite constantly annoying each other. This second chance romance plot is predictable, yet it’s why rom-coms are so enticing.
“Anyone But You” is loosely based on Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” having similar names, characters and storylines. The names barely changed from Benedick to Ben, and Beatrice to Bea. Using Shakespeare as inspiration for the rom-com is not a new concept, with other popular romantic comedies including “10 Things I Hate About You” in 1999 inspired by “Taming of the Shrew” and “She’s The Man” in 2006 inspired by “Twelfth Night.” Still, it’s been quite a while since there’s been a modern Shakespeare adaptation and “Anyone But You” is largely successful.
The movie includes a well-known cast and iconic Australian filming locations ranging from beautiful beaches to the Sydney Opera House. They even recreated the “I’m flying” scene from “Titanic,” which is also not original but resulted in one of the most memorable scenes.
Anticipation for the movie increased when romance rumors preceded the release. Leaked photos and interviews promised chemistry between the co-stars. Their chemistry did not disappoint.
Despite the criticism, the film made more money on its third weekend than on the release weekend. The success of the movie proves the beloved rom-com genre can still succeed at box office.The theater was filled with laughter and audiences embraced the silly fun vibes it inspired. Just like every rom-com, the movie had its share of secondhand embarrassment and cringy moments, but that’s what makes a rom-com, a rom-com.
The movie being rated R provides a more mature comedy. “Anyone But You” will be the rom-com of the year and can set the standards for more rom-com releases to be just as good by following the proven format.
The end credits were a fun way to wrap up the rom-com, with the cast members singing along to “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield. Another component that has been done before yet works every time. Since the release, a TikTok trend has been created increasing the film’s popularity.
Whether a rom-com fan or just a fan of the actors, this movie is definitely worth the watch. “Anyone But You” has made going to the theater to watch rom-com movies enjoyable again. Despite the predictability, it is a welcome escape from the stress of everyday life. Hopefully, the success of “Anyone But You” encourages more rom-coms to make their way into box offices.
