What’s It About
Bea and Ben’s initial attraction quickly turns sour despite an amazing first date. However, when they unexpectedly find themselves at a destination wedding in Australia, they pretend to be the perfect couple to keep up appearances.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
Anyone But You is a movie that blends classic romantic storytelling with a contemporary twist, spotlighting the chemistry between its leads, Ben (played by Powell) and Bea (Sweeney). Ben is described as a finance bro with many insecurities masking his deep emotional wounds, and Bea is a law student at a crossroads about her future career. Their unexpected meet-cute rapidly evolves into a whirlwind of deep conversations, shared vulnerabilities, and the kind of immediate connection that movies dream of capturing. Their first encounter extends into a night filled with passionate discussion, laughter over grilled cheese, and moments of genuine connection, only to end in confusion the following day when Bea, overwhelmed by their intense connection, leaves Ben’s apartment in a panic without a word. Regretting her hasty departure, Bea attempts to reconcile, only to overhear Ben dismissing their night together to his friend Pete, claiming she meant nothing to him. This miscommunication sets the stage for their complex relationship dynamics, which unfolds over time. The narrative progresses as Bea and Ben’s lives intertwine through familial and social connections, leading to a reunion at the destination wedding of Pete’s sister Claudia and Bea’s sister Halle in Australia. Here, the movie introduces a comedic yet strained effort by the wedding party to push Bea and Ben together to ensure peace during the wedding festivities. Despite the initial reluctance and ongoing feuds, Bea and Ben engage in a fake romance to navigate their respective social issues—Bea aiming to deter her parents from setting her back up with her childhood sweetheart Jonathan and Ben seeking to make his ex, Margaret, jealous. As the story unfolds, the film balances humor with heartfelt moments, showcasing the evolving relationship between Ben and Bea against a backdrop of meddling family dynamics, awkward social scenarios, and the picturesque setting of an Australian beach house wedding. The narrative cleverly navigates through their feigned romance, leading to genuine moments of realization and connection, culminating in a testament to true love and overcoming misunderstandings and personal barriers. Powell and Sweeney deliver compelling performances that anchor the film, supported by a talented ensemble cast that adds depth and humor to the narrative. Anyone But You manages to change traditional genre expectations, offering the nudity that assisted with its “R” rating, laughs, a thoughtful exploration of love, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to be truly seen by another. In essence, Anyone But You is a film that marries the charm of classic romantic narratives with the complexities of contemporary relationships, making it a relatable and engaging watch for audiences looking for both laughter and love. Despite all their denial, Bea and Ben are too clearly into each other to spark actual conflict. These comedic moments are perfectly contrasted with the film’s romantic moments, grand and small, which are also subversions of well-worn tropes. There are the bookend scenes of Ben cooking Bea grilled cheese and Bea helping Ben overcome a fearful moment by singing his serenity song, Natasha Bedingfield’s 2004 song Unwritten. But rather than the final speech being a plea for the couple to be together, there is instead a more emotionally complex understanding that to love someone is to wish the best for them, regardless of whether that future includes you or not.
OUR RATING – A ROMANTICALLY RAUNCHY 6
MEDIA
- Genre – Comedy
- Street date
- Digital – February 20th, 2024
- DVD/Blu-Ray – March 12th, 2024
- Video – 1080p
- Screen size – 1.85:1
- Sound – English, French (Double au Quebec), Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, English & French (Double au Quebec)- Audio Description Tracks Stereo
- Subtitles – English, English SDH, French, Spanish
Extras
- He Said She Said
- Everyone Down Under
- Outtakes & Bloopers
- Deleted Scenes
- ASMR Pickup Lines
- Aussie Snacks