Despite having an amazing first date, Bea and Ben’s initial attraction quickly turns sour. When they unexpectedly find themselves at a destination wedding in Australia, the pair pretend to be the perfect couple to keep up appearances. A film by Will Gluck, starring Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell, Alexandra Shipp, GaTa, Hadley Robinson, Michelle Hurd, Dermot Mulroney, Darren Barnet, Bryan Brown and Rachel Griffiths.

Boston University law student Beatrice “Bea” Messina (Sydney Sweeney) asks to use the bathroom at a café, but the barista (Mia Artemis) dismisses her, asserting their bathroom is reserved for paying customers only. Bea attempts to purchase a loaf of bread, but the cashier queue is very long. The barista ignores her request to use the bathroom again, despite Bea telling her that it’s urgent. Bea informs the barista that denying her access to the bathroom is against state law, but the barista insists it’s the store policy.

Finance professional Ben (Glen Powell), who is in line to pay, overhears their conversation. Impressed by how Bea handles the situation, he decides to help by pretending she’s his wife and orders a cup of coffee for her. Since Bea is now considered a customer, Ben secures the bathroom key for her. The two strike up an instant connection, leading to a spontaneous first date.

In the evening, they return to his apartment, where he makes her grilled cheese sandwiches. Bea reveals her doubts about wanting to be a lawyer. They talk until they both fall asleep on the couch. When Bea wakes up the next morning, she leaves quietly without waking him. But she accidentally makes a noise, stirring Ben. He feigns sleep, lost in thought about her unexpected departure. He wonders if their connection meant the same to her as it did to him.

Bea calls her sister Holly and raves about how great Ben is. Holly then asks why Bea left before he woke up, prompting Bea to question her decision and decide to return. Meanwhile, Ben’s best friend Pete (GaTa) arrives. Noticing food cooked from leftovers on the stove, Pete learns that Ben shared a personal story about his mother with the girl. Recognizing Ben’s feelings, Pete exclaims loudly. Frustrated and hurt by Bea’s silent departure, Ben dismisses Pete’s assertion that he’s in love, calling the girl a “disaster.” Bea arrives at the door, which Pete left open, and overhears Ben’s words. Heartbroken, she turns around and walks away.

Bea and Ben continue living their own lives for six months without contacting each other. However, their paths cross again at a nightclub where Ben and Pete meet Pete’s sister Claudia (Alexandra Shipp), who introduces them to her new girlfriend, Holly. Awkwardness ensues when Holly also introduces everyone to her sister, Bea. Ben and Bea exchange frosty conversation filled with barbs, each harboring resentment and blaming the other for their disastrous first date. Unable to bear the charged atmosphere, Claudia, Holly, and Pete retreat to their table, whispering gossip about the reunited pair from the sidelines.

Claudia and Holly eventually become engaged and plan their wedding in Australia, where Claudia’s parents reside. They, along with Holly’s parents, Leo (Dermot Mulroney) and Innie (Rachel Griffiths), invite friends and family to celebrate in Sydney.

The next part unfolds as you might guess. Bea and Ben meet again on the same flight to Sydney, Ben in business class, while Bea is seated in economy. Having secretly quit law school, Bea falls into a depression as her parents pressure her to rekindle her romance with high school sweetheart / ex-boyfriend Jonathan (Darren Barnet), even flying him to the wedding in hopes of a reconciliation.

Ben’s ex-girlfriend Margaret (Charlee Fraser) also lives here with her new boyfriend, Beau (Joe Davidson). Though he hides his feelings well, Ben still cares for Margaret. To prevent any disruptions during the wedding, Claudia’s parents, Roger (Bryan Brown) and Carol (Michelle Hurd), devise a plan to bring Ben and Bea together. Bea quickly uncovers their scheme and proposes a mutually beneficial deal: pretend to be in a loving relationship. This ruse could make Margaret jealous and persuade Bea’s parents to stop encouraging a reconciliation with Jonathan.

Directed by American filmmaker Will Gluck from a script he co-wrote with Ilana Wolpert, ANYONE BUT YOU is loosely based on William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. The film follows two individuals with an apparent connection, which gets disrupted by confusion and misunderstandings, before they ultimately find their way back to each other.

This unfolds within a fairly typical romantic comedy structure, offering some hits and misses in terms of humor. However, one standout scene, the “Titanic pose,” stands out for its self-aware embrace of a cliché. It’s interesting how the film acknowledges and even plays along with this well-worn trope.

While the two leads, Sydney Sweeney as Bea and Glen Powell as Ben, look sweet and beautiful onscreen, we fail to connect with them emotionally. This might be because they lack the unique spark that defines a magical rom-com couple. For example, placing Bea in economy class feels like a cheap gag rather than a way to establish her financial situation. Additionally, their flawless appearances, seemingly ripped from the pages of Men’s Health and Cosmopolitan magazines, might further distance them from the audience.

Using “Get Me Started” by Australian artist Troye Sivan in the boat dance scene feels forced, as the other characters seem like they’re following a different rhythm. On the other hand, “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield perfectly captures the character’s spirit and is a welcome addition. It’s also refreshing to hear this classic song used effectively after so many years.

The film culminates in a surprising and delightful montage where the entire cast joins forces to sing “Unwritten.” This unexpected treat earns the movie an extra half star.

Staring at the blank page before you. Open up the dirty window, let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find. Reaching for something in the distance, so close you can almost taste it. Release your inhibitions.

ANYONE BUT YOU premiered at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on 11 December 2023. The film was theatrically released in the United States on 22 December, grossing over $189 million worldwide, exceeding its $25 million production budget.