A whirlwind romance takes center stage as Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney deliver humor and heart in Anyone But You. This rom-com is a must-watch holiday hit.
Leading the charge in Anyone But You are Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney, whose undeniable chemistry anchors the film. Powell, who got his start with breakout roles in Scream Queens and Hidden Figures, has cemented himself as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, thanks to standout performances in Top Gun: Maverick. Sweeney, best known for her Emmy-nominated role in Euphoria and her work in The White Lotus, brings emotional depth and vulnerability to her character. Together, their combined star power and nuanced performances make the film’s exploration of love, regret, and second chances both engaging and heartfelt.
When law student Bea meets Goldman Sachs employee Ben at a coffee shop in Boston, their connection is immediate. They spend the day together, but the night ends awkwardly when Bea leaves Ben’s apartment early the next morning without waking him. Doubting her decision, Bea returns, only to overhear Ben making disparaging remarks about her to his friend Pete. Unaware that Ben is hurt by her abrupt departure, Bea leaves, confused and upset.
Six months later, their paths cross again under unlikely circumstances—Bea’s sister Halle is dating Ben’s friend Pete’s sister, Claudia. The tension between Bea and Ben remains palpable, as each blames the other for their initial falling-out. When Halle and Claudia announce their engagement, the wedding plans bring everyone together in Sydney, Australia. Bea, recently single and no longer in law school, is dismayed to discover she and Ben will not only share a flight but will also stay at the same house. Their mutual disdain annoys the wedding party, a situation worsened by the presence of their exes, Jonathan and Margaret.
Determined to ease the tension, the wedding attendees concoct a plan to pair Bea and Ben together. Seeing through the ruse, Bea reluctantly agrees to fake a relationship with Ben to avoid her parents’ meddling and provoke Margaret’s jealousy. Initially, their efforts fall flat, but during a boat party, a playful reenactment of Titanic leads to a turning point. After Bea accidentally falls into the harbor and Ben rescues her, they share an honest conversation that reignites their connection. That night, they grow closer, but an offhand remark from Bea about regrets causes Ben to pull away.
The morning of the wedding, Margaret asks Bea for permission to rekindle things with Ben. Feeling defeated, Bea agrees. To make matters worse, Ben inadvertently reveals to Bea’s parents that she has dropped out of law school. Despite these setbacks, Ben convinces Bea to fake a truce to keep the wedding on track. Everything goes smoothly until Bea sees Margaret kiss Ben at the reception, prompting her to flee to the Sydney Opera House.
Realizing his true feelings, Ben rejects Margaret and takes a bold leap—literally. Jumping into the ocean and commandeering a rescue helicopter, he rushes to the Opera House to find Bea. He apologizes, admitting that fear of failure had held him back. They reconcile and return to the wedding as a couple, only to discover that Halle and Claudia’s earlier fight was a setup to push them together. Meanwhile, Jonathan and Margaret find solace in each other, tying up loose ends on a romantic, drama-filled week. As the movie credits start to play, Ben’s serenity song, Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield, plays, offering the perfect ending to the film.
Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney deliver electric performances in Anyone But You, a rom-com that blends humor, heartbreak, and second chances. The film shines with self-aware humor, especially through Ben’s quirky “serenity song,” “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, which hilariously resurfaces in key moments, adding depth to his character and comedic charm to the story. As Powell and Sweeney navigate misunderstandings, fake dating, and a surprising Titanic homage, their chemistry elevates the movie into a heartfelt and witty take on modern romance. From emotional confessions to over-the-top gestures—including a helicopter rescue—Anyone But You proves to be an irresistible holiday hit.
Anyone But You is a rom-com that truly hits the sweet spot between humor, heart, and chemistry. Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney are perfect together, delivering performances that are both charming and emotionally grounded. I was especially drawn to the moments when Ben’s “serenity song,” “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, popped up throughout the movie—its unexpected presence adds an extra layer of comedic relief while also giving Ben a unique personality trait.
The plot, while familiar in its fake-dating setup, has just the right amount of twists and turns to keep things fresh. The dynamic between Powell and Sweeney feels real, and their connection is easy to root for. The romantic gestures, particularly Ben’s dramatic rescue and the boat party reenactment of Titanic, are both funny and heartwarming, giving the movie a memorable, almost magical quality.
However, while the film does a great job of balancing humor and emotion, I do think the pacing in the middle could have been tightened. Some scenes linger a bit too long, particularly when the characters are trying to work through their misunderstandings. A bit more momentum in these sections would have made the overall viewing experience flow better.
That said, Anyone But You is just as enjoyable now as it was when it initially released in theaters a year ago. It’s the kind of film you can revisit and still find yourself smiling at the witty dialogue, romantic moments, and fantastic performances. I’d rate it a solid 9 out of 10—an easy recommendation for anyone who loves a good rom-com with real heart.
