Remember the good old days of the ’90s and early 2000s, when rom-coms ruled the big screen and we swooned over grand gestures, quirky meet cutes, and predictable, yet oh-so-satisfying happily-ever-afters?
Those were simpler times. But then, somewhere along the way, the romantic comedy lost its sparkle. The genre felt overdone and out of touch with modern audiences, and the girl boss era wasn’t exactly feeling the whole ‘forgive-and-forget’ shtick of problematic male leads. You know the drill: boy meets girl, they fall in love, boy messes up, and girl either forgives him or decides his flaws are worth it for the sake of love. Cue the kiss. Roll credits.
However, in the last few years, something interesting has been brewing. The beloved rom-com formula has been quietly staging a comeback. Netflix gave us ‘The Kissing Booth’ and ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,’ sparking some major nostalgia, while 2023 films like ‘No Hard Feelings’ and ‘Anyone But You’ have embraced the genre with open arms. These modern revivals are serving up that comforting rom-com charm while tossing out a few of the outdated tropes we loved to hate.
Tapping into nostalgia
The most exciting return might just be ‘Nobody Wants This,’ a rom-com that is catching the eyes of critics for doing away with the maddening miscommunication trope. The leads? Communication goals. And to sweeten the deal, it stars Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, two familiar faces from our favourite early 2000s rom-com era. It is definitely looking at tapping into that nostalgia.
Nostalgia is having a major moment in pop culture, and it is not just limited to fashion trends like low-rise jeans or the resurgence of pop-punk music. We’re also seeing it play out on our screens, especially in the revival of the romantic comedy genre, which was a defining feature of the ’90s and early 2000s.
That era, often dubbed the golden age of rom-coms, produced a slew of iconic films that still hold a special place in audiences’ hearts. Think ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,’ ‘10 Things I Hate About You,’ ‘Clueless,’ ‘You’ve Got Mail,’ and ‘When Harry Met Sally’. Fast forward to 2023, and these films are still highly relevant and adored by viewers.
What is particularly interesting is the cross-generational appeal these movies hold. A prime example is ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,’ released in 2003, which remains popular among Zennials – those at the intersection of Millennials and Gen Z. It is surprising that members of Gen Z, who were too young to appreciate the film at its debut, are seeking out the film themselves.
This sustained popularity across younger generations hints at a promising revival of the rom-com genre, especially as today’s viewers seem ready to embrace the light-hearted escapism that these films provide.
With so much affection for these nostalgic rom-coms, it is no wonder filmmakers are tapping into the formula again. Audiences are clearly craving the feel-good, quirky romances of yesteryear but with a modern twist to suit contemporary sensibilities. Could the rom-com renaissance be upon us? It certainly looks like it.
Feel-good innocence
While younger generations seem enthusiastic about a potential rom-com revival, it is clear that the biggest supporters are likely to be those who cherished these films when they first hit theatres, especially Gen X.
Many Gen Xers are thrilled at the prospect of seeing their favourite genre make a comeback, even though, as some have admitted, the remakes and reboots can be hit or miss. The nostalgia factor, however, is often enough to make it worthwhile. Even if the new ones don’t always land, it’s fun to see these films again and relive the magic of those simpler times.
Chamari Upasena, a devoted fan of ‘Sex and the City’ during her 20s, had mixed feelings about the recent reboot of the show. “I really despised the remake of ‘Sex and the City’. I don’t like that Carrie is dating again and the changes they made to the character dynamics were strange,” she said. “But I was still happy to see that these IPs are still considered valuable.”
She added that while she was excited about the idea of a revival, she wondered if it was truly possible to capture the same magic today. “Being politically correct is such a huge part of today’s culture. Everyone is terrified of being cancelled. In the ’90s, the humour had more edge and we didn’t treat everything with kid gloves. But I do think it’s possible to create something fresh while considering new sensibilities,” she reflected.
It’s a balancing act – reviving the playful, slightly rebellious spirit of ’90s and 2000s rom-coms while evolving to suit today’s more culturally sensitive landscape. But if done right, this genre could find itself thriving once again, appealing to both long-time fans and new audiences alike.
Brunch also spoke with Jaya Karunaratne, who fondly remembered being a fan of early ’90s films like ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ and ‘Singles’. According to Jaya, no other movies have managed to capture the same magic for her since those films were released.
“I was a full-blown adult when these films came out. I was working and planning on getting married in a few years, and these films were just perfect for my life,” she recalled. “I needed an escape because adult life was fast approaching and these romance films really kept me going.”
Jaya also pointed out that these films came out before the era of binge-worthy TV shows, and that was what made them special. “When I was watching these films, it was before the TV show craze. Everything is a TV show now, but back then, these movies were enough. They captured fully-fledged stories in just under two hours,” she said.
She added that if there is indeed a revival of rom-coms, she would definitely tune in, especially if they emulate those early classics. “They had a sort of innocence, which I really miss,” she said wistfully.
For Jaya and many others, it’s not just about reliving a past era but about reconnecting with the feel-good innocence and escapism that rom-coms of the ’90s and early 2000s offered – a sentiment that, it seems, transcends generations.
‘The perfect escape’
Sumithra Murage, another fan of ’90s rom-coms, shared her thoughts on the genre’s potential comeback.
“I was actually well beyond the target demographic for the ’90s rom-coms when they were being released. I was fast approaching 40 in the ’90s and early 2000s, but because I had younger colleagues, I got really engrossed in these films,” she explained.
The vibrant fashion, tropes about dating, and youthful energy of the movies kept her hooked. “Back then, it wasn’t as easy to emulate or adapt to fashion trends as it is now. Today, you can see a celebrity wear something in an interview and order a knockoff the next week. But we had to wait for trends to really catch on. We were always a few steps behind, but it was still exciting to recognise the trends on the street and know where they originated,” she recalled fondly.
Sumithra believes that while reviving the ’90s rom-com aesthetic exactly as it was may be difficult due to how quickly trends come and go in today’s internet age, there is still potential for these films to resonate with audiences.
“Nowadays, there are so many micro-trends. Nothing truly sticks because everything has its moment online and then it moves on. But I think the innocence and allure of ’90s rom-coms could still have a chance, especially in today’s bleak backdrop. It could be the perfect escape and I’m excited to see where it goes,” she said.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of romantic comedies, it is clear that the allure of the films of the ’90s and early 2000s still holds a special place in the hearts of many.
While younger generations may embrace the revival with open arms, it is the nostalgia and charm that resonate deeply with those who experienced the original wave. The blend of innocence, humour, and relatable storytelling that defined this golden era has the potential to adapt and thrive in today’s culture, even as we grapple with new sensibilities.
With fresh interpretations and a commitment to meaningful storytelling, the rom-com genre may very well be on the brink of a vibrant resurgence – one that captures both the heart and the spirit of a new generation while paying homage to its beloved roots. Whether it is through the embrace of classic tropes or innovative twists, the future of rom-coms looks promising, inviting us all to believe in love and laughter once more.