With Valentine’s Day finally upon us, it’s customary to indulge some big-screen romance, but not always preferable. The romance genre, and its kin, have their own fair share of tropes and formulas, often driven by a saccharine tone. Yet, even those which subvert expectations still don’t sit well with everyone. Even when they capture sincerity or nuanced drama.
But there are many films outside these traditional sensibilities which offer up touching relationships nonetheless. It’s a universally understood and sympathetic aspect of life, which makes protagonists relatable and often raises the stakes. And any good relationship has compromises, so here are some unconventional choices that provide middle-ground romance.
The Princess Bride
This is the closest one can get to syrupy romance without directly surrendering to the undesired. And that is because the film is self-aware throughout, cleverly tongue in cheek about the romantic elements themselves. This is an unabashed parody, first and foremost a brilliant comedy. And like any great parody, it can undermine tropes and thrive by them in a single breath.
This is because of its distinct display of understanding. The Princess Bride often toys with the very characteristics viewers might usually reject. It leans into the exaggerations so relentlessly, it’s practically poking fun at romance altogether. But the protagonists’ chemistry and talent are undeniable, resulting in a satisfied romance-fan, too.
High Fidelity
The protagonist is obsessed with top-five lists, but there’s no favoritism at play, here. This film is essentially an anti-romance movie, despite starring John Cusack. In fact, his inclusion feels rather deliberate, perhaps a subversion of the familiar. Cusack plays Rob Gordon, who reflects on his greatest break-ups, without realizing his own role in them. The story is filled with conversations and observations about relationships, but questions romance itself.
The challenging nature of the protagonist is something of an avatar for viewers who don’t care for romance. The film is mainly a nifty dramedy, about an everyman figuring himself out. But the ending won’t alienate fans of romance altogether. Also, the record store atmosphere of intense musical conviction is infectious and results in a brimming soundtrack. Keep an eye out for the upcoming television adaptation.
Her
A remarkably performed meditation on the falsehood of digital human interaction. Joaquin Phoenix, the Joker himself, never disappoints. His ability to act opposite a voice alone is profoundly impressive. His protagonist is shown to live in such a digital fantasy that it becomes preferable to genuine human relationships. He falls in love with a programmed voice that was designed to indulge his particular personality.
It is frighteningly plausible social commentary, about how disconnected human beings have become despite all of our social platforms. Anonymity and intense desires for social validation have caused strange, frequently toxic behavior. This film, unexpectedly funny, values the legitimacy of human romance without stepping one toe into the familiar.
True Romance
Written by Quentin Tarantino, this bears all of his trademarks, which might feel inaccessible for some. But there’s no denying that the central relationship is romantic nonetheless. The story almost falls within the realm of the fantastic. The film has graphic language, rugged violence, and splashy thrills abound.
It’s predominantly a crime story, directed by the late Tony Scott, tremendously gifted. And yet, for all of the movie’s edge, the titular romance is unexpectedly mushy. The main character is decidedly lonely and strange but finds love with a first-time call girl. That’s a trope itself, but with Tarantino’s unique wit, they serve the electric story perfectly.
Let The Right One In
This genre-bender is one of the most affecting, novel vampire stories in a long time. Vampires have been terribly exhausted, but this film puts Twilight to shame. And if you’re uncomfortable with subtitles, the American adaptation is surprisingly effective, too. This is a love story that takes the least recognizable road.
This horror drama is about an intensely bullied young boy, who befriends a pale girl next door. Their relationship feels unusually sincere and develops organically throughout the film. It especially helps that the kids are exceptional actors. The friendship evolves into a believable romance, but it’s accompanied by bold, stirring violence. The film will satisfy viewers that reject horror and romance alike.
Groundhog Day
This is a classic Bill Murray comedy that transforms into a persistent romance so gradually, those typically averted will hardly notice. The classic premise is utterly conducive to Murray’s dry wit, and it’s been imitated numerous times since. True, the latter half of the film heavily involves Murray’s protagonist pining over a love interest. But the approach is steady, and the journey is hilarious.
Ultimately, the film is actually about a coarse man that learns to better himself after becoming trapped in a time loop. The romance is secondary, but also a large part of his lesson. The comedy in the redundancy and the fantasy is explored to its full potential, and Murray is absolutely magnetic as ever.
Shaun Of The Dead
Even Edgar Wright’s zombie apocalypse has a sincere love story. Essentially, the film is about an immature man who is decidedly complacent with a small life. And this causes an inevitable break-up with his love interest, Liz. The movie spends much of its early runtime with the titular Shaun trying to win her back. The heartbreak feels genuine, creating a tangibility to their romantic history.
And yet, although it’s a through-line in the film, there’s plenty more to enjoy. It’s a sharp piece of commentary, with smart comedy and hilariously inventive slapstick. It champions and parodies the zombie genre with tremendous understanding. The romance, comedy, and horror are all perfectly balanced enough to appease pretty much anyone.
WALL-E
This might seem counter-intuitive because it’s an animated Pixar film about a lovestruck little robot. However, the film balances its sugary romance with a terrific sense of humor, beautiful artistry, and sci-fi fun. The romance feels welcome precisely because it gives more humanity to a robot. It also fuels the social commentary of the film.
While WALL-E loves musical cinema, befriends a bug, and falls in love, humans have zero interaction with each other. They drift in space, after causing environmental ruin on Earth, lazily relying on machines for everything. But this film is thoroughly full of charm, comedy, and adventure. And WALL-E’s humble life and devotion to EVE are innately endearing. The romance is blatant but adorable, and likely unique enough for most detractors.
Deadpool
This movie was actually released for Valentine's weekend. There is certainly romance and comedy in the film, but its total fidelity to the Deadpool comics delivers novelty. His unique meta-humor allows the movie to parody the barrage of annual superhero films that still show no sign of slowing. But the core relationship between Wade and Vanessa is far too charming and natural to displease those with crossed arms.
They have instant appealing chemistry, with a terrific sense of humor. For all the graphic violence and sexuality, the movie captures new love in an authentic, moving way. Especially after the tragedy of Wade’s cancer. Deadpool blends just the right dose of various genres together, resulting in something for anyone entertained by crass, witty humor.
Baby Driver
This frenetic crime-thriller is grounded by the charm of the protagonists’ young love. In fact, the film even makes an antagonist out of a broken couple, so romance is definitely central. However, the story is also full of enthusiastic, absorbing and creative action sequences. Not to mention the catchy music, which is crucial to the main character’s sympathetic condition.
This movie is also surprisingly funny and filled with director Edgar Wright’s winning personality. Simply put, the movie is a tremendous amount of breezy fun. But its stakes and sincerity never fall short. There is constant kinetic energy and a sense of youthfulness that pardons the sentimentality. It might even encourage naysayers to indulge more romance elsewhere.