Modern Rom-Coms Should Be More Like This Charming 18th-Century Book Adaptation

It's tempting to judge right away Young Werther
for the first 10-15 minutes, but if you wait a little longer, the real film will reveal itself. Based on the 1774 novel Young Werther's Sorrows by Johann Wolfgang Goethe, The rougher edges of the book are sanded and given a 21st century shine through the adaptation written and directed by José Lourenço. Although it was no easy task, Lourenço takes a rather dark and nihilistic story by Goethe and makes it gritty, brilliant, and an encouraging addition to the rom-com genre.

Douglas Booth and Alison Pill lead a cast full of Suits'Patrick J. Adams, Amrit Kaur de The sex life of university studentsand Iris Apatow in one of her most recent forays into adult roles. Although partly due to the structure and format of the novel as told in Werther's letters, the supporting characters do not have much depth. Apatow appears to be giving a weak impression of his older sister's character in Euphoriaand Kaur is underused, but There is no doubt that Werther (Booth), Charlotte (Pill) and Albert (Adams) are the players that matter.

Charming dialogue and romantic influence elevate young Werther

Although he has a difficult start, young Werther redeems himself in the end

Young Werther It's an interesting test to see how these older stories can come to life in modern times. It's clear that Lourenço has a deep love for the rom-com genre and sees that contemporary additions to it lack style, substance, and a unique perspective. The hardest part of the story is the setup, as it is not easy to enter Werther's world, as Lourenço uses elements of the old-fashioned dialogue and whimsical perspective that define the character. However, once the narrative begins, it's a sweet escapist fantasy.

Unfortunately, Young Werther falls victim to the classic contemporary trap of using a color grade that's the wrong kind of vivid and a depth of field so shallow that it's distracting. The film makes a few attempts at stylistic intrigue, and in some ways it succeeds. Aesthetically and linguistically, Young Werther pays homage to its predecessors, with the work of Merchant Ivory weighing on his head. It's hard not to long for the pastoral flourishes and grand houses of these period pieces, but the film finds some 18th-century magic in its urban setting.

Young WertherFor its upper-class, understated elements, it understands that one of the best parts of romances from centuries past is their inherent desire. Although we are not encouraged to see Werther as a particularly subtle or complex person, his capacity for love and the depth of his longing know no bounds. There's a genuinely steamy scene between Booth and Pill when they deny their feelings for each other.. It involves a dress zipper, but I won't say more than that. The balance between chaste and tension-filled moments effectively captures our attention.

If there's anything worth remembering Young WertherIt's the Allison Pill. She takes a role that's just a little better than the manic dream girls of romantic comedies of the past and turns it into something remarkable. Booth is the anchor of the play and is not afraid to make a fool of himself, proving himself equally capable of being a romantic actor and a comedic actor. However, Pill has the more difficult task of being an object of affection while also striving to be a nuanced character. with agency. Although not perfect, Young Werther almost achieves this balance.

Young Werther is a refreshing step into the modern Rom-Com

Young Werther is a great example of how the genre can move forward

The chemistry between Booth and Pill is a big part of what makes Young Werther to work, as it looks like the central characters are having fun together. For those who know Goethe's work, it is important not to get into Young Werther thinking the story will line up with the book. Although the ending pays homage to the spirit of Goethe's somber conclusion, Young Werther would not have benefited from this change of tone. Approaching the film understanding that it cares about the spirit of the book is beneficial. The ending may not be dark, but it is subversive.

Young Werther may fly under the radar with its limited release and lack of buzz, but it could also be the hidden gem that romantic comedy fans discover this year. Looking ahead, projects like this are great inspirations for what romantic comedies can be. There is no doubt that adaptations of classic literature have always been popular, with Jane Austen's work having been adapted numerous times. However, as romantic comedies change, seeking out heartwarming works, new and old, will drive the genre forward.

Young Werther will be available in theaters and to stream on demand and digital on December 13th. The film is 101 minutes long and rated R for some linguistic/sexual references.