Enemies to lovers, a nostalgic rom-com, and a romance that is to die for, all delicately wrapped into the perfect present – everything a 2000’s teen girl could hope for. 

Anyone But You, inspired by Shakespeare’s play Much Ado About Nothing, focuses on Bea, a Boston University law student, and Ben, a Goldman Sachs employee, and their complicated relationship amidst the gates of love. 

With its release in December 2023, this rated-R film has gained immense attention, with a total revenue of approximately $100.2 million. While viewers do have to be over the age of 17 to experience the humor and delight of this film, this hit picture incorporates various elements of a modern day adaptation that stems from the unique chemistry these characters share.

Starring Sydney Sweeney as Bea and Glen Powell as Ben, Anyone But You features other popular actors such as Darren Barnet, Dermot Mulroney, and Will Gluck. As this picture continues to gain popularity, so does the premise of the love these characters share. This film is centered around the undying chemistry Bea and Ben have since the moment they meet in a coffee shop. Despite a “perfect” first date, the attraction these love-birds share is quickly diminished when Bea overhears a spiteful conversation Ben has with his friend; they become enemies as quickly as they fell in love. 

When Ben and Bea cross paths six months later, they are convinced to take a trip to Sydney, Australia, to celebrate a marriage. Despite their differences, they must attend the reception as a couple and work through every obstacle they encounter along the way. 

This film was created with the intention of promoting a powerful message about the premise of love. Even though this couple faces obstacles they deemed to be impossible to overcome, in the end, they are able to come together as one, and have the happy ending they deserve. 

Following the release of this movie, the Las Vegas Times shared that rumors began circulating about Powell’s breakup, which was said to be “connected to the undeniable chemistry between [him] and Sweeney.” However, quickly following this, Sweeney publicly came out to the internet and turned these allegations down, claiming, “I’ve been in a steady relationship for a really long time” and “I care for him so much.” 

But, is this film enough to gain its title as “The Best Rom-com of the Decade”? Some critics argue that Anyone But You is a “boring, shallow, cringe comedy,” consisting of “typical cringe, over-the-top, not-funny jokes,” shared www.rottentomatoes.com. However, with a rating as high as 3.7/5 stars, reviewers claim that this hit was the “best rom-com in years” and “an absolute gem of a rom-com.” 

“Anyone But You is the best rom-com since How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days,” Roshni Padala, Olympic Heights junior, commented.