Anyone But You – Film Review

Anyone But You brings together modern romantic comedy elements and one of Shakespeare’s classic comedies Much Ado About Nothing to offer audiences an enjoyable film experience. Directed by Will Gluck, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Ilana Wolpert, the film showcases a strong performance from a star-studded cast, which includes Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell in lead roles.

The film begins by establishing a fiery yet engaging dynamic between Sweeney’s Bea, a law student at Boston University, and Powell’s Ben, a Goldman Sachs employee. They instantly connect, only to fall into misunderstanding and miscommunication leading to an unceremonious parting. It’s the Shakespearean formula at its most entertaining.

Sydney Sweeney breathes life into the role of Bea, capturing her frustrations and desires with great authenticity. Equally commendable is Glen Powell, whose depiction of Ben shows an intricate balance between the sardonic exterior and his own buried affections. Notable performances from the supporting cast, such as Alexandra Shipp‘s Claudia and GaTa‘s Pete, help further flesh out the plot’s humorous undertones.

Where Anyone But You succeeds most is its effort in transporting Shakespeare’s work into a contemporary setting, both keeping the classic comedy’s essence while creating a film that is its own unique entity. It pulls viewers in with sharp wit and an honest portrayal of romantic entanglements, demonstrating the relevancy of the original material. The connection to the Bard’s play, while discernable, does not feel forced or contrived.

The Australia-based wedding preparations inject an exciting backdrop, enhancing the overall comic timing and chemistry between the characters. Scenes like the Titanic re-enactment and the amusing rescue attempt give the film a light-hearted tone that enhances the viewing experience.

Despite these positive elements, the film’s execution isn’t flawless. It leans into the genre’s formulaic conventions. The manufactured animosity between Bea and Ben sometimes feels forced. Some may argue the repetitious ‘ruse to bring them together’ trope borders on being predictable and cliche. However, Gluck’s execution ensures that these don’t detract too much from the overall experience.

Gluck manages to retain some of the source material’s wit while the more ‘rom-com’ elements, though a little cheesy, feel largely successful. Sweeney and Powell convincingly evolve their relationship on screen, each carrying the complexities of their characters’ personal evolution and reconciliation in a compelling way.

Anyone But You offers an enjoyable take on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, thanks to its strong performances and vibrant screenplay. Despite its clichéd moments, it presents an entertaining fusion of classic themes and contemporary settings. The plot sometimes teeters into predictability but this does little to undermine its overall charm and entertainment factor. With Gluck at the helm, it manages to hit many right notes and successfully carves a niche within the romantic comedy genre.