The Movie Like Love, Rosie That Romantic Comedy Fans Need To See
The best-friends-to-lovers trope is one of the most popular ones out there for romance films — everyone is familiar with the will-they-won't-they device, after all. One film that utilizes this trope seamlessly is 2014's "Love, Rosie," directed by Christian Ditter.
Based on the book "Where Rainbows End" by Cecelia Ahern, the story was adapted for the screen by Juliette Towhidi. It follows best friends Rosie (Lily Collins, pre-"Emily in Paris") and Alex (Sam Claflin of the "Hunger Games" franchise), who have had a platonic friendship since they were kids. But, on Rosie's 18th birthday, the two share a drunken kiss — except Rosie doesn't remember it happening and Alex, misinterpreting her words, thinks she regrets it, so and neither of them bring it up again. Meanwhile, the two have plans to move to America together for college, but when Rosie gets pregnant, she decides to stay behind where she'll have her family's support in raising the baby. The film follows the ways their friendship — and inevitable romance — progresses over the years of living across the ocean from one another.
The film doesn't have the best of ratings, per Rotten Tomatoes, but it has proved popular among fans nonetheless. A major detail that makes the film worth watching is its stars, Collins and Claflin, who have the kind of palpable chemistry that pulls in all rom-com fans. Those who have already watched "Love, Rosie" and know this to be true may be looking for something else up their alley to check out. Here's where you can start.
"What If" is one of the best of the genre
Another best-friends-to-lovers story like "Love, Rosie" is 2013's "What If," written by Elan Mastai and directed by Michael Dowse. When Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe) meets Chantry (Zoe Kazan) at a party, sparks fly right away — or so he thinks. He finds out at the end of the night that Chantry has a long-term, serious boyfriend, leaving him crushed by the news. At first, Wallace just wants to forget about Chantry, but after another chance meeting, the two end up becoming friends. As their friendship grows deeper, Wallace must choose between continuing to hide his true feelings or potentially ruining their friendship by confessing his love.
The film was received quite well by critics, many of whom credit it as being a highlight in romantic comedies of recent years and even one of the best romantic comedies of all time. Further, The Atlantic praised the film for leaning into its own genre, writing, "There's something especially relaxing about a film that obeys the strict act structure and character arcs of an ageless genre with such aplomb."
Of course, every great romantic comedy owes a substantial portion of its success to its leads, whose connection with each other is downright necessary. With "What If," Radcliffe and Kazan received more than ample praise. The Detroit News wrote, "'What If' flies by on the instant and lasting chemistry between leads Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan." In agreement, Rolling Stone declared that the film "has charm to spare, and Radcliffe and Kazan are irresistible. No ifs about it."