Like all genres, the rom-com too has had a cyclical lifespan.
While the genre certainly isn’t dead by any means, it isn’t quite teeming with life as it did in its heyday; between the early-1990s and mid-2000s.
Innovations become clichés; stories become stale, and stakes become meaningless. Such is the nature of the beast.
The rom-com isn’t dead, but it was in a state of suspended animation for a while there. Certainly the old school rom-com at least.
The genre is evolving. The likes of The Big Sick and Palm Springs are worlds removed from the typical ‘rom-com.’ Yet that is what they are; a more evolved representation of the genre, fit for the new age.
This evolution doesn’t necessarily sound a death knell for the traditional rom-com. It is a genre that has become rapidly resurgent on the back of streaming services.
Below are three recent rom-coms that are worthy of attention:
Honourable Mentions: To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, Last Christmas, Crazy Rich Asians
Long Shot (2019)
One of the most perplexing box-office misfires of last year, Long Shot is as worthy a rom-com as any in the last couple of years.
It is led by an atypically endearing performance from Seth Rogen and a committed and often hilarious comedic turn from the consistently excellent Charlize Theron.
It’s sharp with its comedy, earnest with its romance, and the off-kilter pairing of Theron and Rogen is fascinating; their unique chemistry is palpable.
The film is well-paced, doesn’t take itself too seriously and shines brightest when its two stars light up the screen together. It’s a charmer.
Long-Shot is streaming on Cinemax in the United States.
Set It Up (2018)
One could argue that Set It Up resuscitated the ‘old school’ rom-com. There was nothing inherently novel about the film or the way it operated.
It re-treads on familiar rom-com grounds and functions under familiar genre tropes. But Claire Scanlon’s charming rom-com uses those clichés with a keen self-awareness.
And in Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell, the film has two leads that have charm to spare.
The template is familiar, but the film is enjoyable. Set It Up’s success breathed new life into a tired genre.
Set It Up is streaming on Netflix worldwide.
Love, Simon (2018)
The word ‘fresh’ is overused to the point of nausea when it comes to describing rom-coms. But that is precisely what Love, Simon feels like – a breath of fresh air.
A wonderfully sweet story of a closeted gay teenager, Love Simon is sincere, charming, relatable and utterly captivating.
Perhaps most importantly, it scores excellently in the one aspect that makes films of this variety special – the ‘feel- good’ factor. It is a delight from beginning to end.
‘Charming’ is another word that is overused in relation to rom-coms. But I tell you what – Love, Simon is perhaps the most charming rom-com made in the last five years.
Love, Simon is streaming on Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ Hotstar in India.
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