Romantic comedies are an iconic genre. While they came about mostly in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, they have made a comeback with movies like “Set it Up,” “Crazy Rich Asians” and most recently, “Anyone But You.” With its believable chemistry and rising-star actors, this movie is a great addition to the genre.
“Anyone But You,” directed by Will Gluck, stars Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell in both a fake dating and enemies to lovers plot set at a destination wedding in Sydney, Australia. Sweeney’s Bea and Powell’s Ben end up together at the same wedding after an unsuccessful date. When their ex-partners show up, they decide to pair up and pretend to date to make them jealous.
The movie features plenty of cute scenes including a recreation of the iconic scene from “Titanic” and an adorable and extravagant confession of feelings in front of the gorgeous Sydney Opera House.
One of the best parts of the movie is the chemistry between the main characters; their banter throughout the movie makes both characters significantly more likable and makes the watcher want to root for them. Also, the choice to have two stars at the head, Hollywood’s newest hunk Powell and coming star Sweeney, gives the movie the feel of a classic romantic comedy.
Like every good 2000’s romantic comedy it had an enjoyable soundtrack including songs from Olivia Rodrigo and Mac Miller, in addition to a slightly cringy but equally cute signature song: Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten.”
The movie does a great job of not trying to recreate the nostalgia or feel of a classic romantic comedy like “Notting Hill” or “Sweet Home Alabama,” but does a good job of entertaining the audience with interesting side characters, beautiful scenery and nice comedic moments.
My only critique about the movie would be that the whole enemies to lovers plot line never really develops and is hard to believe. As viewers are watching, it’s hard to imagine either of the love interests disliking each other because of their obvious chemistry.
Overall, “Anyone But You” is a refreshing and entertaining take on the modern romantic comedy and, for people like me who are obsessed with romantic comedies of all kinds, the movie does a great job of, by the end of the film, creating a believable relationship might actually work out.
