It’s the same old story: a boy and a girl meet as children, become best friends, and feelings blossom. The typical plot for rom-coms, created to prepare us poor viewers for the endless amount of Christmas films coming out in the coming weeks.
Alex (Sam Claflin) and Rosie (Lily Collins) grow up in the same street, their houses separated only by a small church. They’re young, careless, and wishing for a better life, even if it means leaving England behind.
But life is never easy, especially in films, and you’re subjected to 12 years of ups and downs as they try to sort out their feelings for each other.
Somehow, director Christian Ditter manages to use the trite plot devices typical of rom-coms in a new, interesting way: there’s no cheesiness in this film. Characters are well-rounded and real, with flaws and imperfections allowing the viewers to see a reflection of themselves in them.
You’re eased into time lapses, a directorial decision which helps in providing something rom-coms tend to lack: credibility.
Alex and Rosie grow up in front of your very eyes, sharing the burden of being thrown into adulthood without the handbook and coming to terms with the decisions they’ve made.
You know what they feel because they have problems we see every day – doubting and regretting and finally accepting that you have to fight for what you want. And learn to let go when the time comes.
The ‘00s-themed soundtrack will transport you back in time and let you rediscover songs that you’re going to put back in your waking-up playlist.
Love, Rosie is a good rom-com because it’s not a rom-com. There’s love, of course, but it’s not forced or rushed. It comes slowly and acknowledges that ‘The One’ isn’t always going to be a knight in shining armour, but someone who’s just as fucked up as you are.
