“Anyone but You” had garnered much anticipation leading up to its release in late December of 2023. The main draw of the film was its starring actors, Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, who were making headlines about their off-screen chemistry. When heading to the theater, I had hoped that Sweeney and Powell’s dynamic would translate on-screen as well, since the chemistry between the main characters in a romantic comedy usually makes or breaks the film. What ultimately drew me to watch the film, however, were the claims that the film “revived the early 2000s rom-com,” an alluring description indeed.
The film, a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” follows Bea and Ben, who meet in a coffee shop and have a great first date, only to despise each other shortly after due to a miscommunication. When Bea’s sister is marrying Ben’s childhood friend, they find themselves jetting off to Australia for a destination wedding. When their ongoing feud begins to put a damper on the wedding festivities, Bea and Ben’s friends and family plot to set them up. In a series of comedic events, Bea and Ben quickly catch on to the antics. Bea, being pestered by her parents to get back together with her childhood ex, and Ben, trying to win his ex back, realize that to not ruin the wedding , they must pretend to be a couple. What follows is a string of events that are as heartwarming as they are humorous.
There are a few aspects of the film that contribute to its success. Firstly, the performances of the entire cast is a delight throughout. Sweeney and Powell do in fact have chemistry that feels tangible to the audience, and utilize the tension between them for the perfect balance of romance and comedy. Having only seen Sweeney in more serious roles, I was pleasantly surprised to see that her talents extend to the rom-com genre. However, Powell’s performance is what kept me engaged in the film; his comedic timing was flawless, and each line was funnier than the next. The ensemble cast shines as well, adding humor and warmth to the plot. The film does not take itself too seriously, a charming quality that makes it an enjoyable and enduring watch.
The Shakespearean influence and the lighthearted energy of the film (not to mention the soundtrack, as Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” plays its own unique role in the film) remind viewers of the 2000s, a period of time where the romantic comedy genre flourished with films like “27 Dresses,” “She’s the Man” (another Shakespeare adaptation) and “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” (a personal favorite of mine). In recent years, the genre has somewhat plateaued, not reaching the same heights that it once did. For a moment, it seemed that the charm of the romantic comedy lived in the past, with viewers only able to get their fix by rewatching old favorites rather than waiting for a new addition. However, “Anyone but You” could mark a shift in this trend. The film, combining the classic elements of a Shakespearean comedy and a lighthearted romance, brings forth a notable rom-com in the present day, following the formula of its iconic predecessors. One can only hope that the film marks a renaissance in the genre, paving the way for more films like it to come.
