Anyone But You Reviews

With movies like 2023's No Hard Feelings and Anyone But You, it is refreshing and comforting to see studios taking chances on modestly budgeted, R-rated romantic comedies. Additionally, it is note-worthy for any rom-com to receive a theatrical release in 2024, as the genre is now primarily reserved for streaming services and cable channels while blockbusters hoard cinema screens. On paper, there is nothing overly exciting about Anyone But You, which is a loose contemporary reworking of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, directed by the hit-and-miss Will Gluck (Fired Up!, Easy A). But, somehow, the movie manages to work thanks to the sharp dialogue, great casting, slick technical presentation, and several uproarious set pieces. Considering the usual standard for studio romantic comedies, and comedies in general, the fact that this movie is not awful is a big deal. Hilarious, charming and surprisingly insightful, Anyone But You is a surprisingly enjoyable rom-com treat, and it is far better than anticipated.


After meeting each other during an awkward moment in a coffee shop, Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) immediately feel a special connection and spend the day together, ending with grilled cheese sandwiches and falling asleep on the couch. Bea sneaks out the next morning without saying goodbye, but upon promptly returning to Ben's apartment, she overhears him cruelly insulting her to his friend, Pete (GaTa). Six months later, their paths unexpectedly cross again when Bea's sister, Halle (Hadley Robinson), starts a relationship with Pete's sister, Claudia (Alexandra Shipp). After Halle and Claudia get engaged, they plan a wedding in Sydney, Australia, meaning that Bea and Ben will need to spend a weekend tolerating one another's company and being civil. Further complicating matters is the arrival of Ben's ex-girlfriend, Margaret (Charlee Fraser), and Bea's former fiancé, Jonathan (Darren Barnet). With Ben and Bea's friends trying to force them together, the pair pretend to be a couple, hoping the act will make Margaret jealous and stop Bea's parents from pushing her to make up with Jonathan. However, as Bea and Ben spend time together, they develop real feelings beyond their pretend relationship.

The rom-com formula is in full force here, with Gluck and Ilana Wolpert's hitting several predictable story beats before reaching its inevitable conclusion. As ever, the execution is more important than the originality in this genre, and Anyone But You is above-average in this respect. Without reaching the dizzying heights of something like Roman Holiday or When Harry Met Sally, Anyone But You is genuinely side-splitting and features a winning cast, including two likeable leads and a colourful supporting ensemble. Still fresh from the success of 2022's Top Gun: Maverick, Powell is funny and charming here, and he plays well alongside Sweeney (HBO's Euphoria), who is a surprisingly good lead. Their easygoing banter consistently sparkles, and they share convincing chemistry, which is a big deal for a rom-com. The supporting cast also features a few recognisable Australian performers, including a scene-stealing Bryan Brown and the reliably great Rachel Griffiths. It's particularly funny to watch Brown and GaTa interacting, and Brown handles his amusing dialogue with gusto. Another standout is Aussie actor Joe Davidson, who gleefully plays into the bogan stereotypes, consistently speaking in obscure Australian slang that will surely confuse international viewers.


With its gorgeous Australian setting, Anyone But You is more visually vibrant than any number of other run-of-the-mill Hollywood comedies. (Seriously, New York City and Los Angeles are viciously overused at this point.) Sydneysiders (this reviewer included) will get a kick out of seeing the city's various sights and sounds on-screen, picking out the locations that they recognise. Clocking in at a brisk 103 minutes, including credits, Anyone But You avoids unnecessary bloat, and Gluck shows a firm understanding of comedic timing. Too many modern comedies unnecessarily dwell on punchlines and contain too much redundant story material (Judd Apatow's movies are a prime example), but Gluck shows remarkable discipline, keeping the pace swift and never dwelling on a comedic set piece for too long. The enjoyable soundtrack is another highlight, with the movie making great use of Natasha Bedingfield's underrated banger, Unwritten.

Anyone But You does not reinvent the rom-com genre, but it does not aspire to do so. It's a formulaic rom-com in the old-fashioned mould, and it delivers in terms of humour and charm while also offering breathtaking visuals. The movie might've benefitted from more genuine Australian cultural insight, as the content feels more like an outsider's perspective of the land down under, but this is about its only real flaw outside of the lack of narrative ambition.

7.0/10