If you watch a film like Love, Rosie, you undoubtedly know exactly what you’re letting yourself in for. A romantic comedy to the core, the film packs in two adorkable leads, a predictable storyline and many clichéd moments. However, despite the cheesy tone and the use of typical rom-com formulae, such as the eccentric best friend, the lost letter and the airport farewells, the genuine chemistry between the lead actors Lily Collins and Sam Claflin gives the film some spark.
Love, Rosie follows the story of Rosie and Alex, best friends since childhood, as they embark on life’s many adventures through their teen years and into their adulthood. The film is originally based on the bestselling book Where Rainbows End by Irish author Cecilia Ahern, who also wrote the hugely successful P.S. I Love You. The title of the film is very implicative of a romance, insinuating long-distance love in a decidedly less ambiguous way than the book on which it is based.
The tale begins with a brief flash forward to an older Rosie giving a speech at Alex’s wedding. This gives us a glimpse into some of the underlying themes of Love, Rosie, most notably the longevity of Rosie and Alex’s friendship and the suffering that accompanies unrequited love.
We then return to the present, to the turning point of any one person’s life – Rosie’s 18th birthday. Now adults and ready to face the real world, Rosie and Alex plan a future in which they would both attend university in America. However, of course, plot gets in the way and their carefully crafted joint future plans diverge onto two separate paths.
If you have seen the trailer for this film, then you are probably already aware of the majority of the key plot twists that occur, other than a few that are still easy to guess. In terms of storyline, there is certainly a lack of originality. However, the comedic delivery of the pivotal scenes is distinctively dynamic, lightening moments that would usually be shot with more pathos. For example, the dramatic moment in which Rosie gives birth results in a hilarious scene of chaos as her family frantically run around like headless chickens, her little brothers rightfully horrified at witnessing the miracle of birth firsthand.
Credit must be given to Collins for her wonderful characterisation of the charming and witty Rosie. Her performance delves into the inner workings of her character, revealing her fragility despite Rosie having a lively personality. Claflin does justice to his portrayal of the puppy-eyed teenager unable to convey his true feelings to the object of his affections, but is unable to outshine the charismatic Collins.
Love, Rosie is fun and quirky with a sprinkle of irresistible British charm to top it all off. It may not be the most unique film, but it is delightful to see in the cinema if you’re in the mood for something heart-warming, humorous and soppily romantic.
Sabrina Barr
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