'Anyone but You' is 2023's rollercoaster of absurdity set against the enchanting backdrop of Australia. Starring the charismatic duo Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, this film attempts to blend classic rom-com elements with a prank-filled plot and a dash of Shakespearean inspiration.
The narrative unfolds with sworn enemies Bea (Sweeney) and Ben (Powell) concocting an elaborate scheme at a destination wedding. Pretending to be madly in love, they aim to thwart their friends and family's relentless attempts to play matchmakers.
The film draws loose inspiration from Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing,' sprinkled with unexpected twists, including a canine yoga session and a man serenading a koala.
Directed by Will Gluck, the film's charm lies in its ingredients - rising stars, a luxurious Australian setting, and an abundance of white teeth and washboard abs. However, the execution leaves much to be desired. Despite the potential chemistry between the leads, the audience's attention often drifts towards the opulent buffet spreads in the background, overshadowing the central romance.
While marketed as a return to salacious rom-coms, 'Anyone but You' leans more towards the bawdy than the truly erotic. The film's one shining moment occurs during a witty encounter in pursuit of a restroom key, where Ben compliments Bea's knowledge of bathroom law. The ensuing whirlwind date and morning-after banter establish a dynamic of exchanging public insults, reminiscent of spurned lovers.
The timeline of the story becomes a hazy blur, leaving the audience uncertain about whether a month or several years have passed since the initial encounter. Surrendering to the nonsensical flow, the film introduces characters like Ben's ex, Margaret and her new boyfriend, Beau, a comical surfer attempting to consume ceremonial sage. Amidst flimsy bikinis and thinly veiled excuses for undressing, the narrative unfolds with the predictability of a rom-com checklist.
Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell's performances, brimming with potential, often feel overshadowed by an insistent pop soundtrack. Moments of genuine tenderness are interrupted by overpowering musical interludes, leaving the audience yearning for more subtlety. The film's climax, featuring Bea's plunge into Sydney Harbor, is a surprise that leaves viewers questioning the characters' choices.
'Anyone but You' raises the question of whether the filmmakers invested more time in the closing credits than in refining the actual storyline. Sweeney and Powell's on-screen charisma deserves a better script, one that allows their infectious grins and nuanced performances to shine. Until then, this rom-com adventure down under serves as a reminder that even the most promising ingredients can fall flat without the right recipe.
