From helicopter rescues and spiders to fake dating and Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten,” “Anyone but You” was a movie to remember.
Released Dec. 22 of 2023, it’s a romantic comedy featuring Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney and Top Gun: Maverick star Glen Powell. With a lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers plotline, viewers are in for a wild ride.
After a great date gone wrong, the protagonists Bea (Sweeney) and Ben (Powell) hope to never see each other again, but are forced to through the marriage of their mutual connections. Whether it’s hate or love, Bea and Ben have a palpable connection. After their friends attempt to make them a couple, they give in and start a fake relationship that blurs the line even further and eventually draws them closer.
“Anyone but You” feels more comedic than romantic, unless ruthless insults are your idea of romance. It puts a fresh lens on a classic genre. While supposedly based on Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” there are not many similarities between them. Anyone expecting something like a modern retelling will be sorely disappointed. However, “Anyone but You” still manages to live up to the legacy of previous Shakespeare-based rom-coms such as “She’s the Man ” and “10 Things I Hate About You,” despite not including the play’s original emotional depth.
Like any movie, it has its faults. At times it felt as if it was trying too hard, with some moments reaching borderline cringe. But as our protagonist Bea reminds us, “saying something is cringe is cringe.” Some plotlines were predictable and there were multiple instances of forced conflict that was resolved as quickly as it was started, which felt pointless. These flaws are overshadowed by the undeniable chemistry between Sweeney and Powell as well as the bold humor.
The chemistry between Sweeney and Powell also carries over to off-screen. Even well before their movie was released, there were rumors of an affair between the two, despite both being in committed relationships. The speculations began due to leaked pictures from the set and many flirtatious interactions during interviews and ads. Unfortunately, it is very common for actors playing a couple in a movie or show to be shipped by the public and confirm nothing between them. It’s just as possible that it is a PR stunt to generate more buzz. If so, it’s working. The movie and the actor’s alleged affair have blown up on social media.
Whether we were laughing at the jokes or at the movie itself, “Anyone but You” was an enjoyable experience best not taken too seriously. It’s a simple, feel-good movie with nothing especially riveting or complex, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. While some movies do well to be critiqued and analyzed, rom-coms are often better to simply laugh and swoon over. This is no exception and it does a great job at its purpose.
If you are looking for a fun, entertaining, and easy to watch movie, “Anyone but You” is a great option.
