“Anyone but You” (2023)

Comedy

Running Time: 103 minutes

Written by: Ilana Wolpert and Will Gluck

Directed by: Will Gluck

Featuring: Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell, Alexandra Shipp, GaTa, Hadley Robinson, Michelle Hurd, Dermot Mulroney, Darren Barnet, Bryan Brown and Rachel Griffiths

Bea: “Saying something is cringe is cringe, old man.”

“Anyone But You” aims to be a frothy escape, a sun-drenched getaway to romantic comedy paradise. Starring the undeniably charismatic Sydney Sweeney and Nicholas Powell, it throws everything a rom-com can muster at the screen: meet-cute, luxurious locales, jealous exes, and of course, scorching chemistry. But while the ingredients are there, the final dish feels slightly undercooked.

The plot dances a familiar jig. Bea, a free-spirited travel blogger, and Ben, a buttoned-up architect, clash and spark in a chance encounter. Naturally, they end up stranded on a paradise island with a cast of colourful characters, navigating misunderstandings, misadventures, and the gradual tug of hearts. Sweeney and Powell exude charm, their banter crackling with wit and their physicality showcasing that undeniable “it” factor. The supporting cast, including a scene-stealing koala and a hilariously over-the-top socialite, bring comedic bursts.

However, the film stumbles on the script. Predictable twists and uninspired jokes pepper the narrative, often relying on slapstick and outdated rom-com tropes. The central conflict, a misunderstanding fueled by poor communication, could easily be resolved with a simple conversation, yet it drags on, testing the audience’s patience. Additionally, the film’s lavish setting and wealthy characters, while visually appealing, can feel alienating, pushing the “escapism” button a bit too hard.

“Anyone But You” isn’t devoid of charm. The leads carry the movie with their undeniable charisma, and there are scattered moments of genuine humor and heartfelt connection. But ultimately, it falls short of its rom-com ambitions. The predictable plot, uninspired humor, and lack of real emotional depth leave you wanting more. It’s a pleasant enough diversion, a summer breeze that flits by without leaving much of a trace.

While “Anyone But You” presents itself as a light-hearted romp, its roots dig into a surprising source: Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” The film, directed by Will Gluck, known for modernizing classic tales (“Easy A,” “Cruella”), attempts to transplant the Bard’s witticisms and romantic entanglements into a 21st-century rom-com setting. However, the success of this transposition is a mixed bag.

Beatrice and Benedick 2.0: The core couple of Bea and Ben mirror Beatrice and Benedick, a pair known for their sharp tongues and reluctant attraction. Sweeney and Powell capture the fiery banter and simmering chemistry, but their characters lack the depth and nuance of their Shakespearean counterparts.

Miscommunication as a Driving Force: The central conflict in both works stems from a misunderstanding orchestrated by meddling friends. However, the film’s resolution relies on contrivances rather than the organic character growth and introspection seen in the play.

The Role of Comedy: The film embraces physical comedy and slapstick, a departure from Shakespeare’s reliance on wordplay and clever dialogue. While this approach elicits laughs, it often feels out of sync with the more intimate moments, creating a jarring tonal imbalance.

Underdeveloped Characters: The supporting cast, while entertaining, often veers into caricature. The film’s attempts to update Shakespearean archetypes, like the villainous Don John and the bumbling constable Dogberry, fall flat, lacking the complexity and wit of their original counterparts.

The film leans heavily on familiar rom-com tropes, from the meet-cute to the grand gesture. While these conventions can be comforting, their predictability saps the narrative of tension and surprise.

The film touches on themes of societal expectations, career ambitions, and personal growth, but it doesn’t delve deeply enough to offer meaningful insights or challenge conventional rom-com tropes.

Despite its Shakespearean echoes, “Anyone But You” ultimately falters in its attempt to marry classic themes with modern sensibilities. While it offers surface-level entertainment, its lack of character depth, reliance on tropes, and uneven tone prevent it from becoming a truly memorable rom-com experience.

Enjoyable but forgettable. A sun-kissed rom-com with charming leads but a predictable and underdeveloped plot. If you’re looking for a light-hearted escape, it might tide you over. But for a truly satisfying rom-com experience, “Anyone But You” might leave you searching for something…well, anyone but itself.