The Era of the Anti-Rom-Com

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In the title track of their 1980 song, J. Geils Band bluntly stated, “Love stinks,” and indeed, it often does. Love is unpredictable, susceptible to infidelity, simmering resentment, mutual hatred, and even everyday monotony. Sometimes it seems there are more factors pushing couples apart than keeping them together. It’s no surprise that the romantic comedy, where star-crossed lovers eventually find happiness, remains a beloved genre. Yet, at times, facing the harsh reality of failed relationships head-on can provide a sense of relief.

Lately, there’s been an increase in comedies that have a dark twist to them. Instead of the carefree summer of love, this season seems to be more about underlying discontent. These are the days of anti-romantic comedies. For instance, Michael Shanks’ horror-comedy Together features a couple who become physically stuck together due to a mystical force. In contrast, Splitsville, directed by Michael Angelo Covino and marketed as an “Unromantic Comedy”, explores the concept of open marriage in a comedic yet chaotic way. The comedy Oh, Hi!, co-written and directed by Sophie Brooks, tackles the topic of women who expect too much too soon and men who are turned off by it. Lastly, Jay Roach’s black comedy The Roses follows the decline of a once loving couple, offering bitter recognition or a shiver of acknowledgement rather than laughter.

What events have led us to this current point in time? These are sideways takes on love during uncertain times. Four years ago, who would have thought we’d be in a period where women’s reproductive rights are being restricted, some men view women’s progress at work as a threat to their masculinity, and transgender individuals face hostility that endangers their existence. It appears Generation Z is having less sex than previous generations – it’s not surprising given the chaotic state of relationships. Yet we continue to seek love, commitment, and family. Perhaps these films (as well as shows like Lena Dunham’s humorous journey Too Much) provide a respite from the quest for romantic perfection. After all, finding love has never been an endeavor for the timid-hearted.

In the movie, Alison Brie and Dave Franco, who are husband and wife in real life, portray Millie and Tim, a couple who have moved from the city to the countryside for a new but also more secluded life. Millie is a teacher and has taken a better job at a small school, prompting the move. Tim, however, might not label himself as a struggling musician, but that’s essentially what he is. When Millie proposes to him at their goodbye party, he hesitates before reluctantly agreeing. There seems to be something holding him back from fully committing to Millie, yet it doesn’t mean he doesn’t love her. After being together for so long, they understand each other’s patterns so well that it’s unclear if it’s boredom or love-or perhaps a mix of both.

The Roses – A Dark Comedy Exploring the Struggles of Long-Term Relationships

The film “The Roses” delves into the body-horror comedy genre, highlighting how long-term couples can eventually merge their sensibilities so profoundly that one partner might feel overshadowed. However, what ensues when one half of a couple starts feeling incomplete? This question is addressed by Roach and screenwriter Tony McNamara in “The Roses,” an adaptation of Warren Adler’s 1981 novel, which was previously filmed in 1989 with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner.

Olivia Colman portrays Ivy, a casual chef, while Benedict Cumberbatch plays Theo, the family’s primary breadwinner as an architect. Their relationship appears harmonious until Ivy’s career takes off, whereas Theo’s falters. As the fissures in their union widen, each partner starts to notice unsavory aspects in the other that were previously concealed. They engage in bitter fights, and their animosity intensifies as they initiate divorce proceedings.

Initially, we admire these characters, both individually and together; by the end, we’re left witnessing their excessive discord with a horrified yet captivated gaze.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman convincingly portray a couple with an undeniable bond. At a stage when their difficulties arise, they exit a marriage counselor’s office, hysterically laughing, having amused each other with the wit and bitter humor contained in their respective grievances. The therapist is left dumbfounded by their antics, but she’s not part of their shared intimacy; they are in sync to such an extent that they prefer each other’s company over everyone else’s. Their dynamic pulls us in as well; you may find yourself secretly rooting for them to find a way to resolve their issues.

The film titled “Splitsville” approaches the predicament of disputing couples with a fresh perspective. In this story, Kyle Marvin portrays Carey, a gentle yet somewhat unremarkable man who finds himself unexpectedly separated from his wife Ashley (played by Adria Arjona), a glamorous life coach, after 14 months of marriage. Overwhelmed and hurt, Carey seeks comfort in his friends, Julie (Dakota Johnson) and Paul (Covino), but their advice is not particularly useful. They believe he’s exaggerating his feelings, perceiving him as somewhat narrow-minded. They even hint at their open marriage, suggesting that he should be more open-minded as well.

In Julie and Paul’s case, they might appear unfazed by everything; however, their dynamic changes dramatically once Carey and Julie share a secret moment. When Paul learns about this, he becomes extremely upset. For numerous couples, infidelity is an unforgivable breach of trust. However, the movie directed by Covino, along with its co-writer Marvin, uses this situation as a source for humor, exploring the wild chain of events that ensue. The film unfortunately falters in its conclusion, but it aims to delve into intricate and thought-provoking concepts. One of the key ideas it explores is that spiritual devotion might hold equal or even greater importance than sexual fidelity.

1. How do couples initially connect and what are the outcomes when communication breaks down early in relationships? The movie “Oh, Hi!” offers an extraordinary portrayal of this dynamic, with both humor and discomfort. Molly Gordon’s character Iris and Logan Lerman’s character Isaac have only recently begun dating, but things appear to be going exceptionally well; they embark on a road trip, escaping to a picturesque countryside rental house. Upon arrival, they engage in passionate sex, followed by Isaac preparing an exquisite dinner. More intimate moments ensue. However, during a moment when Isaac is emotionally exposed, Iris expresses her optimism about the future of their relationship. This is when she discovers that Isaac doesn’t view their “affair” as a committed relationship at all; he believes they’re just enjoying themselves.

2. In what circumstances do individuals initially come together and how does miscommunication early on affect relationships? The movie “Oh, Hi!” showcases this situation humorously yet awkwardly. Molly Gordon portrays Iris and Logan Lerman depicts Isaac, who have only been dating for a short while but things seem to be going smoothly; they embark on a road trip, choosing a secluded countryside house as their destination. Upon arrival, they engage in passionate sex, then Isaac cooks an impressive meal. More intimate moments follow. But during a sensitive moment when Isaac is vulnerable, Iris voices her hope for the future of their relationship. This is where she learns that Isaac doesn’t consider their bond to be a committed one; he perceives it as just having fun.

3. How do relationships form initially and what happens when there are early misunderstandings? The movie “Oh, Hi!” presents an amusing yet uncomfortable exploration of this predicament. Molly Gordon’s character Iris and Logan Lerman’s character Isaac have only recently started dating, but things appear to be going well; they embark on a road trip, seeking solace in a charming countryside rental house. Upon arrival, they indulge in passionate sex, followed by Isaac preparing an outstanding meal. More intimate moments ensue. However, during a tender moment when Isaac is emotionally exposed, Iris shares her expectations for their relationship’s future. This is where she discovers that Isaac doesn’t view their connection as a committed one; he thinks they’re merely having a good time.

4. What brings people together and what occurs when there are early miscommunications? The movie “Oh, Hi!” offers an entertaining yet awkward portrayal of this scenario. Molly Gordon plays Iris and Logan Lerman depicts Isaac, who have only been dating for a short while but things seem to be going well; they embark on a road trip, opting for a peaceful countryside house as their refuge. Upon arrival, they engage in passionate sex, then Isaac prepares an impressive dinner. More intimate moments follow. But during a sensitive moment when Isaac is vulnerable, Iris expresses her hopes for the future of their relationship. This is where she learns that Isaac doesn’t view their bond as a committed one; he sees it as just enjoying themselves.

5. How do couples meet and what happens when there are early misinterpretations? The movie “Oh, Hi!” presents an intriguing blend of humor and discomfort in this regard. Molly Gordon portrays Iris and Logan Lerman depicts Isaac, who have only recently started dating, but things appear to be going smoothly; they embark on a road trip, seeking solace in a charming countryside rental house. Upon arrival, they indulge in passionate sex, then Isaac prepares an outstanding meal. More intimate moments ensue. However, during a tender moment when Isaac is emotionally vulnerable, Iris shares her aspirations for the future of their relationship. This is where she discovers that Isaac doesn’t view their connection as a committed one; he thinks they’re merely having fun together.

Iris, who was once perceived as mostly endearing, quirky, and funny in an enjoyable manner, now appears erratic and troubling to Isaac. He had simply spoken the truth, but unfortunately, this shattered her assumptions. As he attempts to clarify his actions, her behavior escalates further. What was meant to be a romantic getaway transforms into a tense standoff, even drawing humor from the situation. Eventually, French toast is used as a form of confrontation.

Brooks and Gordon, the script’s co-authors, find humor in how women sometimes lose control when their hopes aren’t fulfilled. They understand that we all crave a fairy tale ending to our romantic aspirations, despite knowing better. However, their work Oh, Hi! also acknowledges the tendency to blame men as the antagonist when relationships falter, even if he merely stumbled unintentionally. It’s often assumed that women are more empathetic, nurturing, or intelligent than men, but this doesn’t exempt us from making mistakes.

Hello there! I recently watched “Oh, Hi!” which is undeniably humor-rich yet devoid of sentimental undertones. Pondering upon this film makes me question if our personal emotions should always be the primary focus, leaving us with little room for understanding others’ feelings. This film, like many of its genre, seems to suggest that we rarely choose love – instead, we often accidentally stumble into it.

Perhaps this is why “Too Much,” the latest Netflix series from Lena Dunham, has sparked such intense reactions, both positive and negative. Building upon her earlier work in “Girls” which, intentionally or not, shaped a generation’s perspective, “Too Much” presents Megan Stalter as an extroverted yet awkward 30-something TV producer moving from New York to London.

There she crosses paths with the initially unappealing musician Felix, played by Will Sharpe, and together they navigate a tumultuous relationship. This series captures the messy, imperfect, and sometimes frustrating journey of love that most of us find ourselves on.

The show titled “Too Much” can be both charming and frustrating at times, much like an awkward lovemaking experience. Some viewers might view it as a counterbalance to the overly sweet portrayal of love in shows like “Emily in Paris“. These new anti-romantic comedies certainly demand a bit of understanding. Frankly, aren’t our everyday romantic entanglements perplexing enough? So, why not indulge in some escapist fantasy instead!

Every so often, we find solace in the dark humor that life serves us, knowing we’re not alone. Ever found yourself tempted, albeit briefly, to end your relationship with someone you truly adore? Belong to a unique club. Or, perhaps, have you gone a bit insane trying to win over someone who doesn’t reciprocate your feelings? You’ve hopped on the same bandwagon many others are riding. The true nature of a bond can only be understood by those living it, but sometimes it’s amusing to peek into other people’s struggles. And the best part is, when the curtain falls, you’re free to walk away – no need for any binding agreements.

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2025-09-04 20:06