Plus One showcases a friends-to-lovers romance amidst wedding season.
Set It Up spices up the rom-com genre with enemies-to-lovers dynamics.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before explores teenage love and the consequences of secrets.
Duck Butter takes an unconventional approach to intimacy and relationships.
Always Be My Maybe reunites childhood friends amidst fame and insecurities.
1. In 2019, "Plus One,"
Directed by Jeff Chan and Andrew Rhymer, won Tribeca's Narrative Audience Award. The film follows Ben and Alice, played by Jack Quaid and Maya Erskine, as they navigate wedding season together. Initially agreeing to be platonic plus ones, their bond evolves into a friends-to-lovers romance, addressing the pressures of societal expectations. Erskine describes it as a celebration of friendship, where characters can be authentic without judgment.
Watch Trailer of Plus One (2019)
Where to watch Plus One: Netflix
Directors: Jeff Chan, Andrew Rhymer
Cast: Maya Erskine, Jack Quaid, Beck Bennett, Rosalind Chao, Perrey Reeves, Ed Begley Jr.
2. "Set It Up,"
Directed by Claire Scanlon in 2018, features Harper and Charlie, played by Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell, orchestrating a romance between their demanding bosses. This enemies-to-lovers tale injects the rom-com genre with heartfelt moments, fueled by Powell and Deutch's chemistry.
Watch Trailer of Set It Up
EW grade: B
Director: Claire Scanlon
Cast: Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Lucy Liu, Taye Diggs, Joan Smalls, Meredith Hagner, Pete Davidson, Jon Rudnitsky, Tituss Burgess
3. "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" (2018)
Introduces Lara Jean Covey, portrayed by Lana Condor, navigating the aftermath of her secret love letters being sent out. As Lara Jean navigates a fake relationship to hide her feelings, the film explores the consequences of lies and the complexities of teenage love.
Watch Trailer of "To All the Boys I've Loved Before"
EW grade: B (read the review)
Director: Susan Johnson
Cast: Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Janel Parrish, Anna Cathcart, Andrew Bachelor, Trezzo Mahoro, Madeleine Arthur, Emilija Baranac, Israel Broussard, John Corbett
4. In "Duck Butter" (2018)
Co-written and starring Alia Shawkat, love takes an unconventional turn when Naima and Sergio, played by Shawkat and Laia Costa, fast-track their relationship by spending 24 hours together. The film explores intimacy and vulnerability amidst societal pressures.
Watch Trailer of "To All the Boys I've Loved Before"
Director: Miguel Arteta
Cast: Alia Shawkat, Mark Duplass, Jay Duplass, Mae Whitman, Hong Chau, Kate Berlant, Kumail Nanjiani
5. "Always Be My Maybe" (2019)
Directed by Nahnatchka Khan, reunites childhood friends Sasha and Marcus, played by Ali Wong and Randall Park, as they explore the possibility of rekindling their romance. Keanu Reeves adds a quirky element, portraying an exaggerated version of himself.
Watch Trailer of "To All the Boys I've Loved Before"
EW grade: B (read the review)
Director: Nahnatchka Khan
Cast: Ali Wong, Randall Park, Keanu Reeves, Daniel Dae Kim, James Saito, Michelle Buteau, Vivian Bang
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