Anyone But You: A Story of Hate, Acceptance, and Love

Romantic comedies thrive on tension, humor, and emotional payoff, and Anyone But You delivers all three. The film follows two characters who constantly find themselves in the same space despite their mutual dislike, creating a heartwarming fictional story that explores love, growth, and unexpected connection.

Credit: IMDB

In the movie, Beatrice, known as Bea, meets Ben in a coffee shop, sparking what initially seems like the start of a promising relationship before their first date goes terribly wrong. Six months later, the two reunite at a destination wedding for mutual friends and must figure out how to coexist without constant conflict. Being forced together for several days leads to feelings neither of them anticipated.

Starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, the film runs for 1 hour and 43 minutes and is rated R for language, sexual content, and mature themes. However, Common Sense Media notes that mature teens ages 15 to 17 may still enjoy the film despite typical R-rated recommendations.

The movie features a range of visually striking settings, from Boston, where Bea and Ben first meet, to Sydney, Australia, where the wedding takes place. These locations serve as more than just backdrops; they help frame the unfolding drama while immersing viewers in breathtaking scenery.

At its core, the film relies on popular romance tropes such as enemies-to-lovers and fake dating. These elements add suspense, humor, and emotional depth, allowing audiences to laugh while watching relationships evolve and secrets come to light.

Like any film, Anyone But You has both strengths and weaknesses. One notable advantage is its pacing. In under two hours, the movie reveals important details about the protagonists, balances comedic moments, and keeps viewers wondering what will happen next.

“I really enjoyed this movie,” says Nina, a Sydney Sweeney fan. “I found it exciting, and it is the perfect length for a movie.”

The producers, Will Gluck and Joe Roth, also incorporate Natasha Bedingfield’s hit song “Unwritten,” which appears multiple times throughout the film as Ben’s “serenity song.” In one pivotal scene following a boating accident, Bea sings the song to calm him down, highlighting her growing care for Ben while adding a touch of humor to an otherwise emotional moment.

On the other hand, some viewers may find the large number of wedding guests staying together in an Australian Airbnb confusing. Characters including Bea, Ben, Beau, Margaret, Jonathan, Claudia, Halle, Pete, Innie, and Leo each bring their own personalities and backstories, which enrich the plot but can initially feel overwhelming.

Credit: Tone Madison

“I couldn’t remember who was who,” says Rylan, an average viewer. “I liked Beau, though. He was a funny character.”

Ultimately, the film raises the stakes within the rom-com genre by telling the story of two young people who struggle with the reality that they might be perfect for each other. Grossing roughly $220 million worldwide and generating billions of social media tags, Anyone But You has clearly resonated with audiences. The film is currently available for streaming on platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango, making it an accessible choice for viewers looking for a lighthearted yet engaging watch.

References

Common Sense Media. “Anyone But You – User Reviews (Adult).”

IMDb. “Anyone But You Reviews.”

Tone Madison. “Anyone But You Depicts Anyone but the Working Class.”