7 Refreshingly Unconventional Movies About Love and Relationships
BY ROXY ALLNUTT
Films featuring complex characters and unexpected storylines.
29 JUL - 2023
Breaking the mould of mainstream rom-coms.
When it comes to movies about love, we often see the same tired tropes and formulas repeatedly. Boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl encounter some obstacle that keeps them apart, but ultimately they overcome it and live happily ever after. While there's nothing inherently wrong with this kind of story, it can get old pretty quickly, especially if you're someone who doesn't fit into the narrow mould of what a typical romantic lead looks or acts like.
That's where these movies come in. They're all about love, in one way or another, but they're not your typical rom-com. They don't rely on the same cliches, and predictable story beats that we've seen a million times before. Instead, they offer unique and refreshing takes on love and relationships, featuring characters who are complex, flawed, and relatable. So if you're tired of watching the same old romances play out on screen, give one of these movies a try. You might just fall in love with them.
Frances Ha
Frances Ha (2012) is a black-and-white comedy-drama that follows the life of a young woman in her late twenties who's trying to find her place in the world. Shot in a naturalistic style with an engaging script and a standout performance from Greta Gerwig (yes, the incredible director of Barbie), this movie is a refreshing and honest take on the struggles of adulthood. The characters are relatable, the dialogue is witty, and the overall message is one of hope and resilience.
Lady Bird
Lady Bird (2017) is a coming-of-age story that follows a high school senior as she navigates relationships, family dynamics, and her own sense of identity. Directed by Greta Gerwig, this movie is an honest and heartfelt portrayal of the ups and downs of teenage life. With a strong cast led by Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird is a movie that will leave you feeling nostalgic for your own teenage years.
Obvious Child
Obvious Child (2014) is a movie that tackles the heavy theme of an unexpected pregnancy in a frank and honest way. Jenny Slate gives a standout performance as a young stand-up comedian who has to navigate the challenges of a personal crisis while trying to maintain her professional life. If you haven't fallen in love with Jenny Slate yet, this will! With a refreshing take on the rom-com genre and a strong supporting cast (Jake Lacy and David Cross). Obvious Child is a movie that will leave you feeling both entertained and enlightened.
Ingrid Goes West
Ingrid Goes West (2017) is a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and the blurred lines between reality and social media. Aubrey Plaza gives a standout performance as Ingrid, a young woman who becomes obsessed with an Instagram influencer and moves to Los Angeles to befriend her. With a sharp script and a timely message, this movie is a must-watch for anyone who spends too much time on their phone.
Malcolm and Marie
Malcolm and Marie was my FAVOURITE release on Netflix in 2021. It is a raw and emotional portrayal of a couple's relationship and the insecurities that come with it. Shot entirely in black and white, this movie is a tour de force of acting, with both Zendaya and John David Washington delivering nuanced performances. This was directed by the wildly popular Sam Levinson, who also did Euphoria. With intense dialogue and a story that will leave you questioning your own relationships, "Malcolm and Marie" is a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Also, the soundtrack is insane and, of course, curated by the legend Labrinth.
The Florida Project
The Florida Project (2017) is a poignant and heart-wrenching look at childhood innocence and poverty in America. Set in the shadow of Disney World, it follows the life of a precocious six-year-old girl and her friends as they spend their summer days exploring and causing mischief. With standout performances from Willem Dafoe and newcomer Brooklynn Prince, this movie is a timely reminder of the struggles of those living on the margins of society.
Little Miss Sunshine
Little Miss Sunshine (2006) is a road trip movie about a dysfunctional family travelling across the country for a beauty pageant. With a standout cast led by Toni Collette and Steve Carell, this movie is hilarious and heartwarming. It's a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and feel all the emotions in between. With a message of family togetherness and acceptance, Little Miss Sunshine is a feel-good movie that will leave you feeling inspired. A go-to for when youre feeling a little weighed down by the world.
Fleabag
Not quite a movie, but needs to be in this lineup. Based on a play by Pheobe Waller-Bridge, the series follows a cafe owner struggling with personal loss and professional disaster. To avoid spending nights alone, she frequently breaks up with her partner and sleeps with everyone she can find in the meantime. She smokes, drinks, and provokes people to prevent terrible flashbacks, yet she does so with an intoxicating honesty that gives us empathy for her plight.
We have done a full write up on this spectacular series linked below.
So, what do all these movies have in common? They're all unique and refreshing takes on classic movie genres. They're not afraid to tackle heavy themes and real-life issues, and they're all carried by strong performances from incredible actors. They prove you don't need a big budget or a predictable storyline to make a great movie. So, kick back, grab some popcorn, and get ready to be entertained and inspired by these hidden gems.
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