Love, Rosie

If you are someone who does not shudder at the idea of watching the same tired rom-com plot line dragged out and paraded around again and again, then Love, Rosie is most likely a film for you.

Rosie and Alex, played by Lily Collins and Sam Claflin, have been best friends since the age of five, so surely it would be weird if they had feelings for each other, right? Not according to Christian Ditter’s adaptation of Cecelia Ahern’s bestselling novel, Where Rainbows End.   

It’s a typical tale of crossed wires and missed chances, which are designed to build the tension until the audience are dying for them to get together – even if it’s just because it means the film’s over.

The first half of the film moves quickly and at points feels like it might go beyond what is usually expected of a rom-com. There are deeper issues that occasionally rear their heads, such as unplanned pregnancy and the death of a loved one. When these themes are approached it is with gentleness and authenticity, which makes it all the more sad when the film slips back into the usual predictable plot lines and shallow jokes.

The acting standard is generally quite high, despite the cast having relatively little to work with. Collins gives a great performance as a new mum, perfectly encapsulating the feelings of terror and adoration one feels when first becoming a parent. Jaime Winstone is brings a welcome change to the film, providing many humorous moments as Rosie’s straight-talking best friend.

The overarching problem with the movie is the fact that the second hour drags. The amount of wires crossed starts to become unbelievable and the successive marriages, divorces, affairs and children just feel like padding before an inevitable conclusion. 

Despite the promising first 30 minutes, Love, Rosie never really leaves its comfort zone, preferring to stick to a teenage rom-com rather than diving into more challenging waters.

Joanna Byrne

Love, Rosie is released nationwide on 22^nd October 2014.

Watch the official trailer for Love, Rosie here: