Love stories in film usually follow a specific mold in the romance genre. They typically feature meet-cutes with upbeat pop music, sappy I Love You scenes and a meant-to-be couple. However, not all love stories are portrayed this way in romance movies. While some might want the glamorous version of a love story, unconventional ones deserve their chance. Either featuring an unlikely pair or that harsh truth that not all love stories are meant to last. These films break the mold of what’s expected from a typical romance movie.
The Big Sick
Written by Emily V. Gordon and Kumali Najiani and based on their real-life love story. The Big Sick follows a fictionalized version of themselves and how they came to be. Struggling Pakistan-born comedian Kumali, portrayed by himself, meets Emily ( Zoe Kazan) at a comedy night. Despite his mother wanting him to marry another Pakistani woman, Kumali continues the romance with Emily.
When she discovers this, they break up and try to move on until Emily ends up in a coma. Soon, Kumali begins to bond with Emily’s parents when they come to town to watch over her. While learning more about Emily from her parents and clashing with his Kumali struggles in the two worlds. Although the main couple isn’t the center of this romance movie, it’s an honest look at how love can break boundaries. The Big Sick is available to stream on Amazon Prime.
Benny & Joon
Despite the title characters being a brother and sister, the film also focuses on Joon’s blossoming romance. Benny (Aidan Quinn) has been caring for his sister Joon ( Mary Stuart Masterson) since their parents’ deaths. Joon suffers from mental illness, which causes Benny to be overprotective of her and discourages her independence. After losing a card game and having to take in the eccentric Sam (Johnny Depp), a romance between Joon and him develops. Although Benny feels Joon isn’t ready for love, he must learn to set her free. Exploring romantic love and love between siblings Benny & Joon showcases the difference love stories can have. Benny & Joon is available to stream on PlutoTV and Roku Channel.
Lars and the Real Girl
Ryan Gosling has been an in-demand romance movie lead since The Notebook. However, this romance drama shines a new light on Gosling as the romantic lead. Lars (Gosling) is an awkward and lonely man searching for love and a deep connection. To combat this, he orders a realistic sex doll he calls Bianca, whom he treats like a real person. Despite his family and friends showing concern, they soon embrace it at the suggestion of the town psychiatrist.
As Lars learns about the actual struggles of a relationship, a spark begins to kindle between him and a coworker. Lars and The Real Girl isn’t a love story about a man and a sex doll. It is a love story about community and family and the importance of caring for each other. Lars and The Real Girl is currently streaming on MGM+.
Dinner in America
Music can easily be a way to express feelings where regular conversation can fall flat. Patty (Emily Skeggs) is a sheltered young woman obsessed with a local punk band led by Simon (Kyle Gallaner). When the two unexpectedly fall in love, they journey across the Midwest’s dying suburbs. Causing havoc, making music, and learning what it truly means to be punk rock. Dinner in America differs from the love stories about unlikely pairs as it’s about loving someone for who they are and loving yourself. Dinner in America is currently available to stream on Hulu.
Saved!
In the early 2000s, teen romance movies became some of the most famous love stories to hit the screen. It’s a surprise that this 2004 film fell between the cracks of the others. Devout Christian teen Mary (Jenna Malone) finds herself hiding a pregnancy after trying to “fix” her gay boyfriend. Struggling with her faith, she’s soon outcasted by her friends but finds solace in the school’s misfits.
Including rebellious pastor son Patrick ( Patrick Fugit), who rejects his father’s and classmates’ views on Christianity. Although Mary hides her feelings for Patrick, she soon learns that what she’s been taught about love may be wrong. Saved! differs from conventional love stories as it explores romantic love and love between friends. Showing that Love Thy Neighbor is the most crucial teaching the bible offers. Saved! is currently available to stream on MGM+.
Punch Drunk Love
Wildly different from the roles Adam Sandler had been starring in then, Punch Drunk Love cast him in a new light. Barry (Sandler) is depressed and lonely in life, with eight overbearing sisters who tease him. Soon, he starts a romance with his sister’s co-worker Lena (Emily Watson), who is as strange as he is. Unknowingly, Barry is in deep trouble from a previous call to a sketchy phone sex line. The mysterious caller and her brothers are hunting for him and threatening his new romance. Punch Drunk Love is a unique look at how the lonely search for love can be freeing and dangerous. Punch Drunk Love is currently streaming on Hulu.
Flipped
Young love is unforgettable and sometimes one-sided, making them epic love stories. When Julie (Madeline Carroll) first saw Bryce (Callan McAuliffe) in second grade, she flipped, but he didn’t. After spending six years trying to win him over, she gives up, causing Bryce to second-guess his feelings. Aside from following the budding romance of two neighborhood kids, Flipped is about slowly coming into adulthood. While Bryce and Julie don’t spend much time together during their film, their growth is what brings them together. Flipped is currently streaming on MAX.
Final Thoughts on Unconventional Love Stories
While run-of-the-mill romance movies may be fun, they typically follow the same formula. Embracing the unconventional, messy side of love stories helps make these films stand out. They are either about finding love in unexpected ways or embracing the love from those around us. When searching for a romance movie, consider these unconventional love stories to get a different perspective on the other kind of love that finds us.
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