Blockbuster or Bust: Anyone But You
“Anyone But You could be the beginning of a rom-com renaissance, and I, for one, am here for it. ”
For all the booktok-loving, 2000s-rom-com-missing, Sydney Sweeney or Glen Powell stans, this movie is for you. According to box offices, Anyone But You may be the beginning of a rom-com renaissance for moviegoers, and I, for one, am here for it. The film serves as a loosely based modern rendition of the Shakespearean romance, “Much Ado About Nothing.” And much like its predecessors, “10 Things I Hate About You” and “She’s the Man,” it’s sure to have you laughing and swooning in your seats. You may even find yourself asking your significant other “would you jump off a cliff for me?” It’s just that kind of film.
Story
This movie has all the makings of a stellar rom-com. Fake dating tropes? Check. An enemies to lovers storyline? Check. A dazzling setting abroad? Check. Despite their adorable meet-cute, Ben and Bea fall victim to a classic case of miscommunication that quickly sours their connection. So when Bea’s sister is set to marry Ben’s best friend in sunny Australia, of course chaos ensues as the two begin to falsify a relationship as a means of dealing with their ever-present exes before the wedding. The chemistry between the two leads is perfectly palpable, turning audiences into a chorus of stifled giggles. Of course, the film has its fair share of cliches, but it’s the kind of rom-com you can’t help indulging in rather than rolling your eyes.
Quality of Adaptation
If you’re looking for a true replica of Shakespeare’s works, I’d advise you to keep walking. There are plenty of allusions in the film hidden in plain sight, but overall, this is loosely based on Much Ado About Nothing. In several scenes, there are bits of dialogue pulled directly from the text followed by silly quips like characters claiming, “I just came up with that.” There are also several quotes visible during transitions displayed via artwork in the background. While I should state that I have not properly read the original play, I think it is fair to say that director Will Gluck took more than a few liberties with this one.
Is it Worth the Watch?
I’ll admit, my expectations weren’t high upon entering the theater. In recent years, most romantic movies either fall into the category of AI-generated Hallmark garbage or book-to-screen teenage dramas. Thankfully, Anyone But You is a far cry from the mind-numbing fodder Netflix keeps pumping into cyberspace. The main characters are charming and well-developed with plenty of hilarious side characters to contribute to the chaos. I’d recommend this movie to anyone looking for a cute date-night idea, something swoon-worthy or just a fun flick. No, it’s not going to stimulate intellectual conversations among your film friends, but this movie is exactly what it needs to be within its genre, and I hope it may be the first in a long line of romantic comedies to come.
