Nobody Wants This is better than One Day in one key way

September 26, 2024

I’ve seen my fair share of romantic comedies, from the classic “When Harry Met Sally” to the more modern “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.” But let me tell you, folks, if you’re yearning for a breath of fresh air in this genre, look no further than Netflix’s latest offering, “Nobody Wants This.

Nobody Wants This spoilers follow.

Although “One Day” on Netflix this year was a popular choice (and we didn’t mind it), one part of that romance – specifically Dexter – exhibited an alarmingly toxic behavior, reinforcing the longstanding trope in romantic comedies where problematic traits and warning signs are glamorized.

Although we enjoyed watching all 14 episodes of the show just like anyone else, we didn’t find ourselves invested in Dex and Em’s romance because, truthfully, she deserved a better partner. In fact, before we delve into criticizing the series’ overly tragic finale, it’s worth noting that her character didn’t receive the happiness she deserved throughout the story.

In contrast to traditional romantic comedies, Netflix’s fresh love story titled “But Nobody Wants This,” featuring Adam Brody as Noah and Kristen Bell as Joanne, presents a unique twist. The central romance in this film is a breath of fresh air, offering a realistic and mature portrayal of relationships – a stark contrast to what has previously been presented in romantic comedies.

Nobody Wants This is better than One Day in one key way

From the very beginning, the atmosphere was established. Following their first passionate kiss, which Joanne playfully labeled as “the best kiss I’ve ever had in all my life,” she jokingly texted her new love interest, but he didn’t respond for hours.

Initially, his overconfident demeanor morphed into unease and self-questioning. Could it be that my humor went over his head? Perhaps I overshared? After all, why hasn’t he responded yet?

Shortly after, Noah appeared at her doorstep, revealing straightaway about his harrowing night and his absence without response. There was neither a game nor pretense of unavailability; instead, they openly addressed their romantic feelings.

Contrarily, One Day maintained control primarily in Dexter’s hands; he was the popular, sought-after individual, and his relationship with his college friend Emma occasionally strayed into deeper feelings, but only at times that were convenient for him.

Nobody Wants This is better than One Day in one key way

Emma often found herself on the path toward greater opportunities, but Dexter consistently pulled her back – recall when he disrupted her vibrant new life in France, merely to weep over his croissant about the dissolution of his marriage, a situation he refused to acknowledge any fault in?

In “Nobody Wants This“, Noah and Joanne were portrayed as peers, each with distinct pursuits. One was involved in a career as a spiritual guide, while the other ran a well-liked podcast discussing topics related to sex and dating.

Nobody Wants This is better than One Day in one key way

They valued each other’s perspectives and accomplishments, and were eager to educate one another. He was excited about diving headfirst into the antics of a first date at a sex shop (an interesting tale), while she attended his inaugural sermon at the synagogue – an unexpected move, considering her self-professed skepticism about religion.

To make it clear, it’s not that Noah and Joanne never encountered difficulties. Mostly, these hurdles were instigated by outside influences or secondary characters. However, they tackled these challenges side by side.

When a typical misunderstanding cast a shadow of suspicion on Noah’s honesty – was he secretly texting his ex while with Joanne? – Joanne briefly felt overwhelmed, but then realized that he had never provided her any cause for distrust.

Nobody Wants This is better than One Day in one key way

They conversed, revealing everything openly; Noah presented his phone as evidence of the confusion, yet Joanne opted to steer clear of old patterns from her history and upheld the faith they’d established in each other.

Though it may appear rather uninteresting in written form, the dispute is shifted towards Joanne’s bond with her sister Morgan as an alternative setting. Despite this shift, we, the viewers, are still provided with tension and excitement, but Joanne’s romance continues to serve as a strong foundation for open and constructive conversation.

When Noah became fearful and concealed his connection with Joanne from his superior, she maintained her limits and opted to value both her self-worth and her job. Meanwhile, Noah reflected on himself, identified his mistakes, and swiftly took steps to correct them.

Nobody Wants This is better than One Day in one key way

As a dedicated gamer immersed in a narrative, I found myself intrigued by the lingering tension revolving around whether my character Joanna might eventually embrace Judaism. Given that my in-game counterpart, Noah, was a spiritual leader who traditionally marries within his faith, this question hung heavy in the game’s lore.

In the last episode – beware, potential spoiler! – Joanne revealed that her actions were motivated by factors other than her own desires (specifically, for Noah rather than herself). This action subverts the typical ‘happily ever after’ dramatic gesture, instead showcasing Noah and Joanne both honoring each other’s choices and individual freedoms.

Ultimately, they decide to be together anyway – because that’s what they both want.

In a genre often characterized by scenes of boomboxes playing and an inclination to give up too much of oneself in relationships, Nobody Wants This offers a welcome shift.

Building on their strong base, Noah and Joanne are well-equipped to face whatever’s ahead hand in hand. Fingers crossed for another season (hint, hint, Netflix!) so we can witness how their journey unfolds further.

Nobody Wants This is available on Netflix.

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2024-09-26 19:19