The rom-com which all of the internet is talking about this month is still the best thing to watch on Netflix. The film, which arrived on the streaming service at the start of December, has been winning over viewers with its clever concept, great star turns and excellent chemistry.
But what is it all about? Anyone but You is about Bea, Movie star Sydney Sweeney from Euphoria, who meets Ben, Glen Powell from Top Gun: Maverick in the most standard meet-cute by chance… but their first date ends in disaster and the two vow to never see each other again.
Though such a clean break is easier said than done. You guessed it; destiny inevitably brings them back together at an Australian destination wedding. Anything else would be far too easy… To dilute the sheer awkwardness of the slice of adult histrionics, they decide to pretend to be a couple. Nothing can go wrong, can it? And as hard as you’re rooting for everything to go to hell, it’s equally hard not to crack a smile.
The premise isn’t perfectly original- we’ve all read the fake relationship trope a million times- but Anyone But You provides a new twist with that added element of the fake relationship, and it adds a bit of mystery and will-they-won’t-they to the mix.
It also has the added bonus of some seriously electric chemistry between Sweeney and Powell. They are both expert comedians, and con their way through the characters’ supposed dislike for each other, and then finally into something more, in such a way that it feels a little bit new.
The movie is also given a bit of depth by a fantastic supporting cast, including memorable appearances by Alexandra Shipp and Darren Barnet. A huge part of the story is rounded out by scenes with these secondary characters, and it’s also where we get the emotional core of the movie.
The setting of Anyone But You is a huge part of its appeal. Beautifully filmed in Australia, the stunning backdrops provide a perfect place to escape. But not everything is all sunshine and rainbows in Anyone But You. I appreciated that the film broached the reality of modern-day relationships and all the curveballs they inevitably throw at us.
The script did this in a way that was fresh and whimsical, keeping the humor just below the surface of everyday life – even though one could argue you never actually meet someone as your most authentic self.
The themes of self-discovery, trust, and the need to communicate effectively are not usually found in romantic comedies, but presented here they are wonderfully light and easy to relate to. Anyone But You is a fun film that is built on much solid ground and has much more to it than easy romantic fluff, so check it out the next time you are looking for a fun and funny movie full of heart.
