Browse our collection of romance reviews and ratings.Showing 7 of 7 reviews.
So, "Beginners" is a quietly affecting romantic drama that crept up on me more than I expected. It weaves together the story of Oliver (Ewan McGregor), a graphic designer coping with two big life changes: the recent death of his father (Christopher Plummer) and his own stuttering attempts at a new relationship. The movie jumps between timelines, so you see Oliver’s memories of his father coming out as gay late in life and the cautious, gently awkward romance that forms between Oliver and Anna (Mélanie Laurent). What really stands out is how "Beginners" balances humor and melancholy. There’s this lovely, understated sense of whimsy—helped along by Oliver’s Jack Russell Terrier, who “talks” via subtitles—and shots that feel both intimate and dreamy. The film never shouts about its emotions, instead letting grief and hope trickle through in the small details: a hand on a shoulder, a hesitant smile, the weight of silence between lines. Christopher Plummer is seriously the highlight here. He brings so much warmth and vulnerability to Hal, the father whose late-in-life coming out is handled with such tenderness by everyone involved. Ewan McGregor plays Oliver as guarded but deeply sensitive, and Mélanie Laurent is both mysterious and irresistible, though Anna’s backstory could’ve used just a bit more fleshing out. Their chemistry isn’t fireworks-hot, but it feels real and lived-in, which suits the movie’s vibe perfectly. If there’s a flaw, it’s that sometimes the film’s artsy tendencies—like the slightly nonlinear editing or the cutesy use of graphics—can feel a touch self-conscious. But if you’re into indie romance, or if films about how people try to love after loss appeal to you, the mood here will probably win you over. The color grading and camera work are gentle and inviting, with a kind of vintage softness that matches the characters’ vulnerability. You would enjoy this if you like your romances bittersweet and honest, and if you appreciate performances that linger long after the credits roll. It’s a great pick for anyone who liked movies like "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" or "Her," but wants something a little quieter and more grounded.
Before We Go is one of those quietly charming romance movies that might slip past you if you’re only browsing big titles on streaming sites. It’s set almost entirely over the course of a single night in New York City, following two strangers, played by Chris Evans and Alice Eve, who meet by chance and end up wandering the city together. There’s an almost theatrical intimacy to the story, which feels refreshingly unhurried compared to most modern romcoms. What stood out most to me was the delicate chemistry between the leads. Chris Evans is far from his Captain America persona here—he’s a bit more awkward and vulnerable, and Alice Eve matches him with a guarded warmth. Their conversations are honest without being melodramatic, and I liked how the script let them get to know each other in a way that felt authentic. The movie is really more about two people helping each other figure out their own lives, rather than a grand love story. That being said, the plot does meander at times. Because it’s such a dialogue-driven film, the pacing isn’t for everyone—there are stretches where not much happens beyond the characters talking or moving from one location to the next. If you need a lot of external drama or action, this one might feel a bit too slow or even uneventful. Sometimes, I wished for a bit more narrative tension or stakes. On the plus side, the cinematography is beautiful. The city at night is like a third character—subtly lit, never too glossy, but always inviting. The improvisational feel of some scenes, along with the small moments of music (Chris Evans’s character is a musician), add a nice touch of melancholy and hopefulness. It’s a very “New York” film, but without slipping into cliché territory. You would enjoy this if you’re into low-key, character-driven romances that focus more on emotional connection than big gestures. If you liked movies like Before Sunrise but want a slightly more modern, understated version, this one is definitely worth checking out.
So, "The Half of It" is a coming-of-age romance that came out on Netflix a few years ago, and I think it flies under the radar when people talk about good rom-coms from the last decade. Set in a small, woodsy town, it follows Ellie Chu, a shy, academically gifted high schooler who starts ghostwriting love letters for a jock named Paul. The twist? Ellie is secretly nursing her own crush… on the same girl Paul likes. What really stood out to me was how tenderly the movie handles teenage friendship, loneliness, and what it means to fall in love for the first time — especially when you can’t fully say what you feel. Instead of falling back on cliché triangles or big melodramatic reveals, the film leans into its gentle pacing and intimacy. Ellie and Paul’s friendship feels authentic; their awkwardness and little triumphs struck a chord with me. Where it falters, I’d say, is mostly in how some of the side characters (especially the adults) are sketched a bit thin. There are a couple of moments where pacing lags, and—while the dialogue is witty—the story sometimes feels almost too neatly wrapped up. Still, it does a fantastic job of avoiding the usual "makeover" or "grand prom scene" tropes, which I appreciated. Cinematography-wise, Alice Wu (the director) gives the movie a calm, muted look that works perfectly for its sleepy rural setting. It’s not showy, but there are some lovely shots of forests, bikes, and lakes — all adding this gentle atmosphere that matches Ellie’s solitude. Leah Lewis (as Ellie) is phenomenal; she balances vulnerability and dry humor so well, and Daniel Diemer brings real warmth to Paul. You would enjoy this if you’re a sucker for smart, semi-quiet stories about longing and awkward first steps toward love, especially if you like movies that tweak the rom-com formula into something more real and heartfelt. Also, if you get a kick out of well-written, sometimes-poignant teen dialogue and stories about friendship as much as romance, this is a hidden gem.
"Happy Accidents" is a quirky little romance with a sci-fi twist. It follows Ruby, a woman with a checkered relationship history, who meets Sam — a sweet but eccentric guy who claims to be a time traveler from the future. What makes the movie so endearing is how it juggles the ordinary ups and downs of falling in love with the outlandishness of Sam's story, never tipping fully into parody or self-seriousness. Marisa Tomei brings genuine warmth and relatable anxiety to Ruby, while Vincent D'Onofrio is perfect as the lovably odd Sam. What really stood out to me was the film's blend of romantic vulnerability and playful weirdness. The time travel premise is handled with a light touch — enough mystery and cleverness to keep you guessing, but the heart of the story remains on the awkward trust-building between two people with plenty of emotional baggage. Some of the jokes are very low-key, and the film's slightly indie vibe gives it a different energy than your typical rom-com. On the downside, the pacing occasionally stumbles, especially in the first third, and I can see how the genre mix might not work for everyone. It's not a movie for those wanting big drama or straight-laced romance, but if you like films that are offbeat and gentle, it's a real hidden gem. Anyone who enjoyed "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" but wishes it was a bit funnier and less heavy will probably appreciate this.
"Weekend" is a British indie film that tells the story of Russell and Glen, two men whose casual hookup after a night out unexpectedly turns into something meaningful over the course of just 48 hours. The film is intimate, quietly acted, and very grounded in reality—no grand romantic gestures or manufactured drama, just two people trying to figure out what connection means for them. It’s refreshingly authentic, with long, unhurried conversations that make you feel like you’re eavesdropping on something real. What really stood out for me was how natural the performances felt. Tom Cullen and Chris New just have this genuine chemistry, and their dialogue flows so naturally that it barely feels scripted. The movie is shot in a way that keeps you close to the characters, almost as if you’re right there in the apartment with them. The emotions are understated yet hit surprisingly hard as their time together winds down, leaving a bittersweet aftertaste. If you're looking for something fast-paced or full of traditional rom-com tropes, "Weekend" might not hit the spot. Its quietness might be off-putting to some, but for anyone interested in character-driven romance, especially stories dealing with fleeting connections and modern relationships, it’s a real gem. I’d recommend it to fans of understated, thoughtful storytelling.
This is one of those films that takes a wildly imaginative concept—erasing someone from your memory—and uses it to tell a genuinely intimate story about love, loss, and regret. Watching Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet) unravel their own romance literally inside Joel's mind is both heart-wrenching and strangely comforting. The movie's nonlinear style and dreamlike visuals (that scene with the crumbling beach house!) really make you feel like you're inside a memory as it's slipping away. What really sticks with me are the performances. Jim Carrey is so subdued and vulnerable here, far removed from his usual madcap roles, and it works beautifully. Kate Winslet’s Clementine is a tornado of emotion—funny, frustrating, unpredictable. You completely buy into why these two would both fall madly in love and drive each other up the wall. There's also this melancholic tone that lingers all the way through, especially in the smaller moments, like when Joel watches memories of Clementine fade away and realizes he doesn’t want to let go. If I had to nitpick, some of the supporting characters’ storylines (like Kirsten Dunst’s subplot) didn’t grab me as much—they feel a little shoehorned in compared to the core love story. Still, if you’re someone who likes movies that feel personal, raw, and a little bit weird, it’s absolutely worth watching. It’s not your typical romantic drama, but it’s probably the one I’d recommend to anyone feeling nostalgic or a little heartbroken.
Titanic, directed by James Cameron, is a classic romantic tragedy based on the real-life sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. This epic romance centers around a love story between Jack Dawson, a poor artist, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and Rose DeWitt Bukater, an upper-class woman, played by Kate Winslet. Both actors deliver a moving performance, making it almost impossible not to get emotionally invested in their ill-fated romance. One clear standout of the Titanic is its astounding attention to detail, especially in recreating the ambiance of the ship. The sets are magnificent and really immerse you in the time period. But Cameron doesn't just astound with visual grandeur; he gives us a heart-wrenching love story. That said, the movie does have its flaws. The plot sometimes leans towards melodrama, and the dialogue can be a little on-the-nose at times. It's a bit lengthy too. However, these minor issues do not overshadow the beautiful narrative, making it a must-watch for any romantic movie fan.