February, which has been filled with celebrations of love and relationships, is done. One might not even be able to scroll down through their social media feeds without seeing couples on their Valentine’s dates. Although usually bursting with positivity and warmth, this period does not really go the same way for everyone.
Of course there’s nothing bad about spending some quality time alone. If you, however, have had a not-too-cheerful Valentine’s Day celebration, wallowing in despair could provide some form of cathartic release. And what other way is more fun than watching movies?
Snuggle with your favorite plushie, get comfy and check out some of these romance films to pair with your post-Valentine’s blues before the love month is over.
1. Crazy Little Thing Called Love (2010)
Starring: Baifern Pimchanok, Mario Maurer
Suffering from a one-sided crush? Follow the story of Nam, a high school student pining for her senior Shone, as she attempts different shenanigans in order to catch his attention. Who could forget her iconic confession scene by the swimming pool that got our younger selves choking back sobs? Exploring the intricacies of growing up, young love and unrequited affections, this remains a classic feel-good romance film with a mildly bittersweet end that’s relatable to almost everyone who’s ever had a crush.
2. Your Name Engraved Herein (2020)
Starring: Edward Chen, Tseng Jing-Hua
One-sided crushes may be a bit disheartening, but a mutual affection for someone who you can’t be with is devastating. Dip into the events of post-Martial Law Taiwan in 1987 through the eyes of Jia-Han, a student dealing with the growing feelings he has for his friend, Birdy. Set in a time where homophobia and social stigma was much more present, both main characters struggle with trying to maintain the status quo. That telephone scene while the film’s OST plays on the radio? So poignant!
3. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Starring: Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel
Another entry from the LGBTQIA+ community is the French film Portrait de la jeune fille en feu. A young painter named Marianne gets commissioned to paint the portrait of the young aristocrat Héloïse in secret, before the woman is married. This slow-burn romance will grip you with the way the lovers look at each other, full of pining and longing. Although both the characters and the viewers know that it is not meant to be (because well, one of them is getting married to someone else), their passion and attraction to each other makes one yearn for something just as genuine.
4. Her (2013)
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson’s voice
In the mood for an unconventional romance for Valentine’s? Join Theodore, a depressed writer who writes letters to clients unable to write on their own, specifically those more on the personal side. He gets himself an operating system equipped with artificial intelligence of the name Samantha, and the rest is history. Her is famous for its take on a new-age love story involving falling in love with an AI, combined with an eye-catching visual style. And who knows? Maybe you’d be able to relate to someone who fell in love with just a voice. No judgment, though.
5. Marriage Story
Starring: Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson
What better way to top off your anti-Valentine romance film list than with a couple going through a divorce? Charlie and Nicole have decided to officially separate, and what starts as an amicable break-up evolves into a hurricane of emotions that were merely just waiting to burst out. It is such a nuanced take on the experience of getting divorced, strengthened by the actors’ excellent portrayal and spot-on scriptwriting. It is a bittersweet reminder that even though sometimes love won’t be enough to sustain a relationship, it doesn’t mean that love isn’t present when it has ended.
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