Movies

Clueless’ Cher & Josh: 2 Reasons Their Relationship Aged TERRIBLY!

BBG News

In the beloved classic film Clueless from the 1990s, the relationship between Cher and Josh is an unusual aspect that lingers in its history. Inspired by Jane Austen’s Emma, Alicia Silverstone plays Cher, a contemporary, affluent high school student with a knack for matchmaking. As she delves into the romantic lives of those around her, she too starts pondering when it’s time to pay attention to her own love story.

Clueless, a timeless classic among teen films, continues to captivate audiences with its lasting impact. A significant factor contributing to this enduring appeal is the exceptional ensemble cast of Clueless. Among them, Paul Rudd delivered an early breakthrough performance as Josh, Cher’s wiser older stepbrother. However, the portrayal of Cher and Josh as romantic interests in the finale has sparked ongoing debate among viewers regarding its problematic nature, with some fans still discussing its potential implications.

Cher & Josh Being Step-Siblings Instantly Made It Weird

Clueless Could Have Easily Avoided This Awkward Dynamic

In the film “Clueless,” the romantic connection between Cher and Josh initially feels disconcerting due to their step-sibling relationship. The movie tries to mitigate this by suggesting that Cher’s father was briefly married to Josh’s mother, thus making them ex-step-siblings. However, the portrayal of their relationship as more akin to siblings in the beginning, with bickering and teasing reminiscent of an older brother and younger sister, contradicts this explanation and leaves one questioning the validity of their step-status.

An unusual decision was made in the film, given the numerous alternatives available to establish a comparable relationship among the characters without introducing the step-sibling dynamic as a complicating factor. Instead, Josh is portrayed as deeply involved with Cher’s father’s business, which explains his frequent presence. A more plausible scenario could have been that he was merely a close family friend who followed a more serious career path while Cher immersed herself in the materialistic lifestyle criticized by Josh in the movie. The romantic development at the end could have symbolized Cher’s personal growth instead.

An alternative approach could have been focusing on their relationship without the romantic element, given that this aspect appears to be the least engaging part of their dynamic. Rudd and Silverstone demonstrate a strong connection when they portray adversarial roles, but the sudden introduction of romance feels jarring and unexpected. If they had been portrayed as siblings with contrasting worldviews who developed mutual respect for each other, it would have still provided a satisfying narrative. However, the step-sibling romance introduces an odd element to the storyline, which will be intriguing to observe how it unfolds in the Clueless TV series.

The Bigger Problem Is Cher & Josh’s Age Gap

Paul Rudd’s College Student Character Had No Business With A High Schooler

As a cinephile, I find the unusual bond between Cher and Josh in “Clueless” intriguing, yet complicated. The film subtly hints at their familial ties, but it’s the striking contrast in their ages that adds a layer of complexity to their relationship. In this movie world, Josh is a college student, while Cher is just starting her sophomore year in high school. Strangely enough, it’s the step-sibling dynamic that the film seems to dance around more cautiously than the age gap issue.

In the timeless novel “Emma,” written by Jane Austen, the main romantic relationship unfolds between a 20-year-old Emma and a 40-year-old suitor. Despite this substantial age difference, it was a relationship between two mature individuals that was common in their era. However, introducing Emma with an older male love interest doesn’t seem fitting for the adaptation of “Emma” into the film “Clueless,” given that the movie alters numerous aspects of the original story.

In many ’90s movies that showcase romances, the affection has become outdated over time, such as “Chasing Amy” and “Never Been Kissed”. However, it’s often overlooked that the problematic nature of Cher and Josh’s relationship in “Clueless” lies beyond their step-sibling bond.

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2025-05-23 17:53

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