Anyone But You starring Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney is giving “enemies to lovers,” “there was only one bed,” “fake relationship,” and “unresolved sexual tension.”
The film gave me a much-needed dopamine boost with every kilig scene reverting this grown woman into an embarrassing tween prone to giggle fits. As someone who grew up during the peak of 2000s rom-coms, I’ve been yearning for the warm embrace of a romantic fantasy starring a ridiculously good-looking cast dealing with low-stakes problems while having the financial freedom to be dramatic against a gorgeous backdrop complete with luxurious accommodations. (If I wanted more realism, I would just scroll through a dating app.)
Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell are also the ultimate onscreen thirst trap power couple by simply existing. There was no doubt in my mind that Bea and Ben would be my OTP (one true pairing) endgame due to their intense chemistry, engaging mutual roasting, and so-thick-you-could-cut-it sexual tension.
The intimate moments featured in the film were tasteful, romantic, and sensual but with just the right amount of spice that would make you fan yourself a few times. Love scenes in general run the risk of becoming focused solely on the male gaze so I felt relieved when it was an equal opportunity kind of deal. So when I tell you that I will be watching their scenes together on repeat once it’s on stream—I am not exaggerating. (Respectfully!)
And the supporting cast was not just there for eye candy as they provided a break from the bickering with Beau (Joe Davidson), the stereotypical Aussie A.K.A. B*tch Hemsworth, doing effortless comedic heavy-lifting during his limited screen time. And if you’re a fan of local rom-coms then the Pinoy-style parenting/meddling of Leo, Innie, Carol (Michelle Hurd), and Roger (Bryan Brown) will be all too amusing and annoying. And I could not help gushing over Claudia and Halle being the most adorbs queer couple who are #RelationshipGoals!
I am also here for the return of Natasha Bedingfield with “Unwritten” becoming the theme song for the film. It felt like a nostalgic nod to when director, Will Gluck, made the very same singer’s track, “Pocketful of Sunshine,” the LSS of the early 2010s.
Was Anyone But You a groundbreaking concept that will change the romantic comedy genre forever? Hardly, but its predictability and familiarity (because the hot couple will always end up together no matter what) is a source of comfort in an uncertain world full of ghosting and situationships. So bring on the rom-com revival!
I’d Recommend It To…
- Fans of either Sydney Sweeney or Glen Powell (or both!) who would like the opportunity to appreciate their appealing physique respectfully. (And that’s not even mentioning the rest of the crazy attractive supporting characters.)
- Viewers who were raised by the feel-good era of late ‘90s and Y2K romantic comedies.
- 2000s kids who believe that Natasha Bedingfield’s music is long overdue for a revival. (Can you say, Easy A?)
- Cassie (from Euphoria) apologists who just want bestie to be free from a toxic relationship.
- Thirsty viewers who would prefer to see an equal opportunity intimate scene.
- Book/fanfiction guys, gals, and non-binary pals who love classic relationship tropes such as “enemies to lovers,” “only one bed,” “fake relationship,” and then some.
- Those who have a special place in their heart for Pinoy rom-coms that feature cringey but relatable interactions with the family.
- Unapologetic romantics who can unironically quote cinematic and literary love confessions by heart.
- Anyone who’s planning a revenge trip soon because the location is definitely social media snap-worthy. (Not to brag, but to inspire.)
Thank you, Columbia Pictures for the invite! ^^
Picture Credit: Columbia Pictures
