Anyone But You: A True Romantic Comedy
Maya Bartleson | April 18, 2024
As a romantic comedy (rom-com) fanatic, I spent most of my adolescence looking for new romcoms that could compare to the ones produced before my time. Rom-coms like “The Notebook” and “10 Things I Hate About You” filled my childhood and quickly became my favorite movies. Since the early 2000s, known to many as the rom-com era in film, there has not been a movie that compares. That is, until “Anyone But You” hit theaters.
When I stepped into the theater to watch “Anyone But You,” I was cautiously optimistic. After all, most new rom-coms fail to capture the magic of the classics. But this movie, with its unique plot, stellar performances, and laugh-out-loud moments, managed to break the mold. It is a rom-com that stands out from the crowd and is a must-watch for any rom-com fan.
Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell give a beautiful performance of the “enemies-to-lovers” trope. When Sweeney’s character, Bea, meets a gorgeous man, Ben (Glen Powell), an amazing first date turns sour, leading to mutual hatred. However, they cannot avoid each other as their best friends start dating, unaware of the situation between Bea and Ben.
Years go by, and their best friends are set to marry in Australia. The two pretend to have a relationship on this trip to make their exes jealous. This plan works until the two start to fall for each other. Their love story is filled with chaotic scenes that you can’t help but laugh at.
One of the ongoing plots in the story is Ben’s “serenity song,” “Unwritten.” Ben is seen listening to or singing the song in uncomfortable positions, which originally elicits Bea’s mocking but also reflects the idea that Ben enjoys things that seem out of character to him. The song represents Ben’s character development throughout the story and creates a new meaning at the movie's end.
Even with its importance, the audience can’t help but enjoy the song. The song, which was released nearly 20 years ago, became stuck in my head after watching the movie. I blasted the song directly after the movie, and it has now become my go-to karaoke song, but I’m not the only one whom the song affected. Since the movie, it has hit the Top 20 UK Billboard for the first time in 19 years, and streaming has nearly doubled.
After nearly a decade of watching new movies, hoping they would compare to those that made me fall in love with rom-coms, I have finally found one that exceeds all expectations. I laughed, cried, and loved the characters' love story. So, if you’re looking for a rom-com that measures up to the famous rom-coms you grew up on, don’t give up. The movie you’re looking for is finally here.