Written by Aashi Bains
Illustrated by April Yang
A Critical Analysis of: Rom-Com Boyfriends by Aashi Bains
10 Things I Hate About You
This modern remix of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew is pure perfection. While it incorporates the tested trope of someone being paid to date another, only for inevitable love to blossom, this film executes it so well. The movie, much like the original play, channels the iconic ‘angry girl’ vibe of 90s rom-coms, exploring the daring romance of Kat Stratford, the rebellious and non-conforming elder sister. Alongside this, the film follows Cameron’s journey — portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt — as he ‘burns, pines, and perishes’ for Bianca, the naive and, at times, frustrating younger sister. Honestly, I would hand both Patrick and Cameron the title of best boyfriend; they both get it absolutely right. After all, very few moments top the spectacle of Heath Ledger sliding across the bleachers, serenading Julia Stiles with “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”.
Bridget Jones’s Diary
I have to admit that I’m extremely biased in favour of this film; it’s firmly cemented in my Letterboxd Top 4. For me, the Bridget Jones movies encapsulate everything that makes the perfect British rom-com: the frazzled journalist energy, the fantasy of living solo in London in the middle of Borough Market, belting out “All By Myself” while devouring ice cream, and, of course, a generous dose of Colin Firth. Fortunately, Colin Firth, who plays the reserved Mark Darcy, is, in my opinion, unquestionably the superior ‘boyfriend’. While his rivalry with Daniel Cleaver, portrayed by Hugh Grant, may cause a divide between fans, I firmly believe that Mark Darcy really does have it all. He has this quiet, mysterious exposition, and a coldness towards everyone except Bridget, whom he memorably likes “just as she is”. Not to mention, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant brawling in the streets of London, soundtracked perfectly to ‘It’s Raining Men’, is near perfection. On top of that, he’s a stern, yet well-intentioned human rights lawyer. Perhaps my law student bias is showing, but Mark Darcy is by far my favourite rom-com boyfriend. (I’m choosing to omit an analysis of Mark Darcy in the sequel, as his snobbish lawyer persona is almost too insufferable to bear.)
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
I watched this film embarrassingly too late for a self-proclaimed rom-com enthusiast, but it completely changed what I now look for in the ideal romance film. Benny is THE boyfriend in this film, and it’s all down to his incredible patience. Before you decide whether someone is truly boyfriend-worthy, I suggest you first ask yourself if you reckon he could handle the following scenarios without calling it quits:
- You unexpectedly move into his flat and completely redecorate and furnish every room to your own taste (right down to filling his bathroom cupboards with solely your products).
- You turn up at his boys’ poker night unannounced, while revealing you’ve made a spare key to his flat to let yourself into such events (i.e., events you’re not invited to).
- You create an entire album of AI-generated photos depicting your wedding and what your future children might look like — again, without consulting him.
If you think he’d say no to any of the above, perhaps it’s time to give this film a watch and reconsider your standards.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
When looking for a fan favourite of the contemporary rom-com genre, this film firmly stands out. Jenny Han, also the author of The Summer I Turned Pretty, introduces us to the ultimate lover girl, Lara-Jean. After her innocent love letters are accidentally sent to five of her crushes, Lara-Jean is forced to navigate a fake relationship with Peter Kavinsky. Say what you will about this film, whether you find it cringeworthy, predictable, or overdone, I believe it remains as one of the most comforting rewatches imaginable. Peter Kavinsky, portrayed by Netflix’s golden boy of the time, Noah Centineo, is central to this. The film excellently captures Lara-Jean’s relatable insecurities and vulnerabilities, even within its light-hearted, teenage rom-com setting. In response, Peter emerges as the ideal first boyfriend: suggesting films for her, bonding with her younger sister, and picking up her favourite snacks. He’s also nailed words of affirmation, solidifying his position as an incredibly endearing rom-com boyfriend in recent years. (And yes, I am deliberately overlooking the later reveal that he was waiting for Jen in that hot tub.)
People We Meet on Vacation is one of the latest rom-coms to hit Netflix, drawing attention as another book-to-screen adaptation, based on Emily Henry’s popular novel. The film is structured through a series of flashbacks to the annual holidays shared between best friends, Poppy and Alex, gradually morphing into the classic friends-to-lovers trope. Alex, played by Tom Blythe, is portrayed as an endearing, overly cautious character who, under Poppy’s carefree influence, discovers a passion for travelling and exploring the world beyond his home in Ohio. However, there’s a significant moral grey area regarding Alex’s ‘boyfriend’ credentials: the constant emotional cheating. Going off on vacation each year with your girl best friend without fail, no questions asked? It seems like a big ask — especially for the partners of these characters, who are caught up in the long saga leading to romance.
