Sick and tired of the same old rom-coms? Don’t get me wrong, I love a sweet and sappy film as much as a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers. Despite my undying affections, it’s worth noting that many of the age-old classics are now overplayed. Rather than watching “The Notebook” for the millionth time, check out one of these alternative movie picks for Valentine’s Day.
“(500) Days of Summer”
Of all the films on this list, “(500) Days of Summer” is the closest we will get to a stereotypical rom-com. On the surface, this 2000s classic chronicles the love story of Tom Hansen, a hopeless romantic who makes his living writing cheesy greeting cards, and Summer Finn, his new co-worker and the girl of his dreams. Despite Summer’s clear objections to a serious relationship, Tom is convinced they are meant to be.
Whether you are single or taken, watching this couple hash it out will surely put into perspective not only what you want in a relationship, but what it means to be compatible in the first place. Toying with your heart, the movie is the perfect balance between the typical meet-cute and harsh truths about love. The film’s nonlinear storytelling, along with its subversion of the “manic pixie dream girl” trope, makes “(500) Days of Summer” a must-watch.
“Bottoms”
I can’t think of a better film to cozy up to this Galentine’s Day. One of the sharpest comedies in recent memory, “Bottoms” features rising stars Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri at the top of their game. The dynamic duo plays PJ and Josie, two teenage outcasts hoping to spice up their love lives by forming a girls-only, after-school Fight Club. Despite their obvious feelings for the club’s two most popular members, Brittany and Isabel, the pair proclaim that every uppercut and drop kick is done in the name of female empowerment.
From devastatingly awkward attempts at flirting to the idiocy of the high school’s football team, this witty satire is sure to make you crack a few ribs. Given that PJ and Josie’s friendship is the backbone of “Bottoms,” this hilarious film is a wonderful addition to your Galentine’s brunch plans.
“Brokeback Mountain”
Spanning two decades, “Brokeback Mountain” tells the tragic love story of two cowboys, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, as they navigate their undeniable feelings for one another in the American West. This movie has won countless awards and shattered numerous hearts, making it a modern classic for a reason.
“Brokeback Mountain” expertly deconstructs the hypermasculine cowboy stereotype, realistically crafting two men torn apart by their love for each other and crushed by society’s perceptions. Carried by the remarkable performances of Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, this tearjerker is far from your sweet and sappy rom-com. If you are seeking a good Valentine's Day cry, I can’t recommend this film enough.
“Together”
Despite being a bone-chilling horror movie, “Together” has arguably the happiest ending on this list. The film follows Tim and Millie, a long-time couple who have been struggling ever since their move to the countryside. After a hike gone wrong in the nearby woods, the pair begins to experience an inexplicable force drawing their bodies together, fusing them into one. This brutal work of body-horror explores the terrifying nature of codependency, flawlessly balancing heartbreaking revelations with shocking violence.
In order to pull themselves apart, Tim and Millie must reflect on what brought them together, at least romantically, in the first place. Played by real-life sweethearts Dave Franco and Alison Brie, the couple’s chemistry is palpable even in the film’s most terrifying scenes. If you are a horror fan like me, watch “Together” to make this Valentine’s feel a bit more like Halloween.
“The Lobster”
Whether you just got ghosted on Date Drop or lost your game of eye tag in McCosh 50, it’s totally normal to feel a bit lonely on Valentine’s Day. But rest assured, no one is lonelier than David in “The Lobster.” As a recently divorced, middle-aged man, David chooses to stay at a single’s hotel, where he has 45 days to fall in love. If he fails, he will be turned into an animal of his choosing: a lobster.
Absurd, dystopian, but somehow still darkly comedic, “The Lobster” seamlessly pairs director Yorgos Lanthimos’ signature style with Colin Farrell’s well-crafted portrayal of a bleak loner. An expert critique of modern love, “The Lobster” is full of nuance and hard-hitting questions. Despite its desolate premise, I highly recommend that you give “The Lobster” a try.
From horror to heartache, romance to regret, this list encapsulates all the feelings you might experience this upcoming Saturday. Whether you're looking for non-stop laughs or a tearjerker, each one of these remarkable films is certainly worth your time.
Mia Mazzeo is a contributing writer for The Prospect and is a member of the Class of 2029. She can be reached at mm4755[at]princeton.edu.
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
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