The best romcoms of the '20s are gay ones
This is a fact, and perfect for Pride month
As the host of a podcast about romantic comedies, I do consider myself something of an expert on the subject and that’s not just because I watch an inordinate amount of them. I’m qualified - I have a degree in Film Studies and English Lit, I write novels about relationships and I wrote my thesis on the genre. That’s all to say, I know what the hell I’m talking about, okay?
And I know another thing to be true - there is a DEARTH of decent contemporary romcoms. Perhaps we overdosed on the overly saccharine flicks of the Noughties, maybe there are enough sub-par made-for-tv or straight-to-streaming love stories on Prime and Netflix to keep appetites whetted, or it could be that we are just too damn cynical in the age of apps and ghosting to really believe in happy ever after.
Whatever is going on, it’s bloody annoying. I have great hope for the forthcoming Materialists starring everybody’s fave guy Pedro Pascal, and Dakota Johnson. But every other recent film about relationships has been depressing (Past Lives), hyper-sexualised (Babygirl, Anora) or distinctly meh (Anyone But You, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy). Don’t @ me on that last one - the only reason you loved it is because it was pure, unadulterated nostalgia for the glory days. The plot was flimsy af.
However, there is one exception to this, and that is this - the LGBTQ+ rom com. As a subgenre, it is fertile, lush and verdant. These films are not setting the box office alight, but each and every one of them I’ve consumed has been a delight. It doesn’t matter what your sexual orientation is - you will enjoy these love stories for what they are, unless you are a weirdo that is icked by anything other than cisgender relationships (sorry not sorry). I will actually go as far as saying that BROS is the closest we have come to a Nora Ephron classic in the 21st Century. A huge statement, yes, but that script is tight and beautifully executed.
Allow me to recommend some of my faves…
BROS - Stream on Channel 4, rent on Sky or Apple
Heavy on the com, the rom is also fabulous. The plot follows two gay guys who are commitment-phobic for different reasons - one because he’s very cynical and a bit brash, the other because, well, he’s just too hot to settle down. They’re mad about one another, but how is one meant to give up Grindr and orgies for true love? It’s really funny, really well performed and will leave you with a ginormous case of the warm and fuzzies.
Reminds me of: When Harry Met Sally
A Nice Indian Boy - free on Sky and NOW
I watched this film because my great love Jonathan Groff is in it, sure, but also because I love pretty much anything Mindy Kaling is attached to, and it got rave reviews. It didn’t get cinematic distribution in Ireland, but you can watch it in the comfort of your own home and honestly, that suits the vibe. It’s a quiet, thoughtful rumination on cultural differences in relationships, and wanting what everyone else seems to just get without a struggle. LOVED it.
Reminds me of: The Big Sick
Fire Island - Disney+
‘Loosely based on Pride & Prejudice’ is one of my favourite subgenres, and this tale of classism, snobbery and fighting your feelings is a rollicking summery romp. It focuses on a group of cash-strapped mates who go to the infamous gay summer mecca out past The Hamptons to frolic, but they can’t escape their realities when faced with the multiple castes and cliques they find there.
Reminds me of: Dirty Dancing
Red White and Royal Blue - Prime Video
I loved the book by Casey McQuiston, and this adaptation didn’t disappoint. The premise is wild - the American president’s son and the prince of England embark on a torrid secret affair behind closed doors, but of course it won’t stay that way for long. The casting is sublime (Uma Thurman as the prez is inspired) and the stars totally gorgeous and charming.
Reminds me of: The Idea Of You
Dating Amber - Prime Video
A GORGEOUS Irish film about two closeted teens that pretend to be going out to throw everyone off the scent, but it reads just like any other teen movie focusing on the awkwardness of the time. It has the fake relationship trope, but this time it’s not about the pair of them discovering they’re actually in love at the end - it’s about friendship, and learning to love yourself.
Reminds me of: Love Simon, Sing Street
Happiest Season
I’m including a Christmas film not to irritate you in June, but so you can stash it away until cosy season. This is a lovely ‘home for the holidays’ family dramedy about a lesbian who isn’t ready to tell her family that her girl friend is actually her girlfriend - yet said girlfriend (Kristen Stewart) is so committed, she’s ready to propose. It’s about coming out, but also just enduring the weirdness of someone else’s family at Christmas. Special mention to Single All The Way (Netflix) which is similar, but a bit more Hallmark-y.
Reminds me of: The Family Stone
Am I missing any? Any I just need to watch right away? Let me know! And Happy Pride, everyone. There’s no LGB without the T, and with everything going on in the world let’s remember that it’s still a protest as much as a celebration. Love yiz.