Anyone but You (2023)

Overview

"Anyone but You" is a 2023 romantic comedy directed by Will Gluck. Starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell in the lead roles, the film draws inspiration from William Shakespeare's famous play "Much Ado About Nothing," reshaping it into a modern romantic comedy mold. The film combines the classic rom-com formula with Australia's spectacular natural landscapes, offering a viewing experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshed. Achieving unexpected box office success upon release, the production drew particular attention for its popularity spreading through social media, and it has been cited as a promising example of the romantic comedy genre's potential revival.

The film follows two people who dislike each other but are repeatedly thrown together by the people around them due to a wedding celebration. Taking on the classic "enemies who are secretly in love" theme with a modern twist, the production refreshes a familiar story through entertaining dialogue and strong on-screen chemistry between its leads.

Plot

At the center of the story are two young people named Bea and Ben. Although a strong attraction forms between them at their first meeting, an unfortunate misunderstanding sours their relationship before it even begins, turning the two into enemies. After time passes, fate unexpectedly brings these two people back together: they are forced to travel to Australia for the wedding of mutual friends.

Forced to be around each other constantly throughout the wedding, Bea and Ben decide to hide the tension between them—and even go a step further by pretending to be a couple—in order to put their families and friends at ease. However, this ruse begins to bring the real feelings they've been suppressing for each other to the surface. Unfolding against a backdrop of sunny beaches, fun wedding preparations, and comic misunderstandings, the story takes the viewer on a familiar yet enjoyable romantic comedy journey.

Why Watch It?

"Anyone but You" is a genuine treat for fans of the classic romantic comedy. The on-screen chemistry between Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell stands out as one of the film's greatest strengths; the pair's natural and energetic performances manage to make even some of the story's more predictable moments enjoyable. While the Shakespearean-inspired structure lends the film a touch of classic literary depth, the screenplay succeeds in blending this in with a light and pleasant tone, without ever weighing the film down.

Another of the film's strong points is its visual richness. Australia's breathtaking natural beauty, coastal scenery, and sunny atmosphere give the viewer a genuine sense of vacation. The supporting cast is also quite colorful, providing plenty of comic moments that support the main storyline. For viewers longing for the nostalgic feel of 2000s romantic comedies, this film delivers exactly the relaxing and entertaining experience they're looking for.

Who Is It For?

This film is ideal for viewers who particularly enjoy the classic conventions of the romantic comedy genre and are looking for a light, enjoyable viewing experience. It will be quite satisfying for those who are drawn to the "enemies-to-lovers" theme, who enjoy sweet, funny dialogue, and who take pleasure in strong on-screen chemistry between leads. The film has also been warmly received by young adult audiences, becoming quite popular on social media.

It will also be a good choice for those looking to step away from heavy dramatic productions in favor of something light and relaxing. However, viewers seeking deep character studies or an original screenplay structure may feel that their expectations aren't fully met, given some of the film's clichéd elements.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. The strong, natural on-screen chemistry between Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell

2. The visual richness provided by Australia's stunning natural landscapes

3. Fun, fast-paced dialogue and amusing supporting characters

Cons:

1. The storyline remains predictable and clichéd in some parts

2. The Shakespearean-inspired structure may feel superficial to some viewers

Genre and Tone

The film contains all the classic elements of the romantic comedy genre: misunderstandings, mistaken identities, comic supporting characters, and, of course, an inevitable love story. The overall tone is quite light, cheerful, and enjoyable; it aims to entertain and relax the viewer rather than provoke deep thought. The summer-vacation atmosphere felt throughout the film blends perfectly with the story's overall energy.

The witty tone of the dialogue and the tense-yet-funny moments between the characters keep the film's rhythm lively. Although romantic drama elements do appear from time to time, they never become heavy enough to disrupt the film's light and entertaining mood.

Runtime and Viewing Experience

With a runtime of about 1 hour and 43 minutes, the film offers a comfortable viewing experience—neither too long nor too short. This length allows enough time for the story to develop while maintaining a smooth pace that never bores the viewer. Easily watchable in one sitting, this production is ideal for a relaxing weekend or for watching with friends.

Similar Productions

• 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

• The Proposal (2009)

• Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

• To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)

• Set It Up (2018)

• How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

Final Assessment

"Anyone but You" blends the classic romantic comedy formula with a modern twist, offering viewers an enjoyable and relaxing cinematic experience. The compelling chemistry between Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell stands out as the film's greatest strength, while Australia's stunning scenery contributes a visual feast of its own. The story's inclusion of some clichéd elements won't pose a major problem for fans of the genre; on the contrary, this familiarity reinforces the film's warm and comfortable feel.

Ultimately, for anyone who loves the romantic comedy genre and is looking for a light, entertaining film, "Anyone but You" is a highly satisfying option. With the energy of its young cast, its witty screenplay, and its delightful atmosphere, this production succeeds in becoming one of the most notable romantic comedies of 2023.