Anyone but You is a modern romantic comedy that leans into classic rom-com chaos while dressing it up with contemporary humor and social-media-age attitudes. Set against sun-soaked locations and fueled by sharp banter, the film explores what happens when two people who clearly clash are forced into close proximity, letting sparks fly in the most unexpected ways. It taps into the familiar enemies-to-lovers trope but keeps things fresh with witty dialogue and playful misunderstandings. At its heart, the movie captures the messy, confusing, and often hilarious nature of modern relationships, where pride, miscommunication, and attraction constantly collide. With a youthful vibe and breezy storytelling, Anyone But You aims to entertain audiences looking for lighthearted drama, romance, and laughs, making it a feel-good watch that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still delivering emotional beats.
Overview
Anyone but You follows two young adults whose first encounter goes terribly wrong, leaving them with strong reasons to avoid each other. Fate, however, has other plans when they are brought together again at a destination wedding, forcing them to share the same space despite their unresolved tension. To survive the awkwardness and social pressure, they agree to pretend to be a couple, setting the stage for a series of comedic situations and emotional complications.
As the story unfolds, the fake relationship begins to blur the lines between performance and reality. Misunderstandings, personal insecurities, and lingering attraction drive the narrative forward, while vibrant settings and energetic pacing keep the tone lively. The film centers on how pride and miscommunication can complicate genuine feelings, using humor and romance to explore how unexpected connections can grow in the most inconvenient circumstances.
Cast and Crew
Director: Will Gluck
Directed by Will Gluck, Anyone But You reflects his experience in shaping modern romantic comedies for younger audiences. He brings a glossy, upbeat tone that blends classic rom-com structure with contemporary humor. Gluck focuses heavily on sharp dialogue, situational comedy, and character-driven moments rather than heavy drama. His direction keeps the pacing energetic, ensuring the story never feels dragged or overly sentimental. By emphasizing playful misunderstandings and emotional tension, he maintains a balance between romance and comedy throughout the film.
Lead Actor: Glen Powell
The male lead is portrayed by Glen Powell, who delivers a charismatic and confident performance. He captures the essence of a modern romantic lead with ease, blending charm, arrogance, and vulnerability. His screen presence adds momentum to the story, especially during fast-paced comedic exchanges. Powell’s ability to shift between humor and emotional sincerity strengthens the character’s arc. This performance reinforces his growing reputation as a dependable face in contemporary Hollywood rom-coms.
Lead Actress: Sydney Sweeney
The female lead is played by Sydney Sweeney, who brings emotional depth and sharp wit to her role. She balances strength and sensitivity, making the character feel relatable and grounded. Her expressive performance elevates both comedic and dramatic moments without overshadowing the film’s light tone. Sweeney’s natural screen chemistry helps anchor the story’s romantic tension. Her portrayal adds a modern perspective to the traditional romantic-comedy heroine.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast includes Alexandra Shipp, GaTa, Hadley Robinson, and Dermot Mulroney. Each character contributes humor, conflict, or emotional context to the central relationship. Their performances help flesh out the social dynamics surrounding the lead couple. The ensemble adds energy to group scenes, weddings, and confrontations. Collectively, they enhance the film’s lively and entertaining atmosphere.
Music Composer
The music is composed by Este Haim along with Christopher Stracey, blending modern pop sensibilities with romantic undertones. The soundtrack supports the youthful vibe of the film without overpowering key scenes. Music is used to elevate emotional beats as well as playful montages. The score complements the setting and mood, enhancing both romantic and comedic moments. Overall, the music aligns well with the film’s breezy storytelling style.
Production Company: Olive Bridge Entertainment
The film is produced by Olive Bridge Entertainment, known for backing mainstream romantic and comedy-driven projects. The production emphasizes polished visuals and vibrant locations. Attention is given to creating a glossy, cinematic look suited for a modern rom-com audience. The company’s involvement ensures a balance between commercial appeal and character-focused storytelling. This approach supports the film’s accessible and youth-friendly tone.
Run Time: 1 Hour 43 Minutes
The movie has a total running time of 1 hour 43 minutes, fitting comfortably within the romantic-comedy genre. The duration allows enough space to develop characters, relationships, and conflicts. Scenes transition smoothly without unnecessary detours. The pacing keeps the narrative engaging while maintaining a light and entertaining rhythm. Overall, the runtime supports the film’s fast-moving and playful structure.
Budget and Box Office
Anyone But You was produced on a relatively modest budget of approximately $25 million, aligning well with its genre and scale. The film focused more on charismatic performances, scenic locations, and sharp dialogue rather than expensive visual effects. This controlled budget allowed the production to maintain a polished look while keeping costs efficient. Its modern setting and character-driven storytelling helped maximize value without heavy financial risk. Overall, the budget reflected a smart investment for a contemporary romantic comedy.
At the box office, the film turned into a major commercial success, grossing around $220 million worldwide. Strong word-of-mouth, social media buzz, and repeat viewings—especially among younger audiences—played a key role in its theatrical longevity. The movie performed exceptionally well in international markets, extending its box office run beyond initial expectations. Its success reaffirmed the audience demand for theatrical romantic comedies. Financially, it stands out as one of the most profitable rom-com releases of recent years.
Story
Anyone But You begins with an apparently perfect first meeting between two strangers whose instant connection feels effortless and promising. A single misunderstanding, however, quickly derails that spark, turning excitement into resentment almost overnight. Both characters walk away convinced the other is insincere, arrogant, or emotionally guarded, setting the foundation for a relationship defined more by irritation than attraction. This sharp emotional shift establishes the film’s central conflict: how fragile first impressions can shape long-term perceptions.
Time passes before their paths cross again, this time in an inescapable social setting that forces them into close proximity. Surrounded by friends, family, and social expectations, their unresolved tension becomes increasingly visible. To avoid awkward explanations and unwanted scrutiny, they make a calculated decision to present themselves as a couple. This fabricated relationship acts as a protective shield, allowing them to control the narrative others see while quietly avoiding their own unresolved feelings.
As the pretend romance unfolds, moments of genuine connection begin to surface beneath the performance. Shared experiences, private conversations, and subtle acts of care slowly dismantle the emotional walls each character has built. Past insecurities, pride, and fear of vulnerability continue to interfere, creating confusion between what is staged and what is real. The story explores how emotional honesty often arrives unexpectedly, even when people are actively resisting it.
The narrative progresses through cycles of attraction, misunderstanding, and emotional self-reflection, highlighting how miscommunication can both damage and deepen relationships. Each character is forced to confront personal flaws and assumptions shaped by previous disappointments. The setting amplifies these emotional stakes, transforming casual encounters into moments of reckoning. Ultimately, the story centers on the tension between self-protection and emotional risk, revealing how genuine connection requires courage, timing, and the willingness to be seen.
Review
Anyone But You embraces the classic romantic-comedy formula while presenting it through a glossy, modern lens. The film leans heavily into witty dialogue, situational humor, and exaggerated misunderstandings, creating an energetic opening that immediately sets the tone. Its playful approach makes the narrative accessible, especially for younger audiences who enjoy fast-paced storytelling and sharp banter. The setup may feel familiar, but it is executed with confidence and style.
The chemistry between the lead actors is one of the film’s strongest assets. Their back-and-forth exchanges feel lively and spontaneous, helping to sustain interest even during predictable plot turns. Both performances balance humor and emotional tension, making the relationship dynamic engaging rather than flat. The film relies on this chemistry to carry extended scenes, and it largely succeeds. Their interactions drive the story more than the plot itself.
Visually, the movie benefits from vibrant locations and polished cinematography that enhance its breezy tone. The bright settings add to the escapist quality, reinforcing the fantasy-like appeal common to modern rom-coms. Costuming and production design further support the youthful, stylish atmosphere. These visual choices help keep the film light and entertaining, even when the narrative slows.
The screenplay focuses strongly on miscommunication and emotional pride, using them as recurring obstacles. While this approach fuels humor and conflict, it occasionally stretches believability. Some misunderstandings feel deliberately prolonged for dramatic effect, which may frustrate certain viewers. However, the sharp dialogue and comedic timing often compensate for these narrative conveniences.
Supporting characters add flavor and momentum to the story, contributing humor and occasional emotional grounding. They help expand the social world surrounding the central couple, preventing the film from feeling too insular. The soundtrack complements the mood effectively, reinforcing romantic beats and playful sequences. Overall, the film delivers a lively, crowd-pleasing experience rooted in charm, chemistry, and modern rom-com sensibilities.
Modern Romance in the Age of Pretend Love
Anyone But You explores how modern relationships are often shaped by pride, perception, and the fear of emotional exposure. The film places its characters in situations where appearances matter as much as feelings, highlighting how easily misunderstandings can spiral when honesty is avoided. By using a fake relationship as its core device, the story reflects how people sometimes hide behind performances to protect themselves from vulnerability.
The movie also captures the influence of social pressure and public image on romantic decisions. Surrounded by friends, family, and constant scrutiny, the characters struggle to separate genuine emotions from expectations imposed by others. This layered dynamic adds depth beyond surface-level romance, suggesting that love today is often negotiated through social roles and emotional defenses rather than simple attraction alone.
Conclusion
Anyone But You ultimately stands as a bright example of how classic romantic-comedy frameworks can still resonate with modern audiences. By blending familiar tropes with contemporary humor and youthful energy, the film maintains a sense of freshness while staying true to genre expectations. Its emphasis on chemistry, timing, and emotional miscommunication reflects the realities of modern relationships in an entertaining and approachable way.
The film’s strength lies in its ability to balance lighthearted fun with emotional undercurrents without becoming overly dramatic. Through vibrant settings, engaging performances, and a fast-moving narrative, it delivers a satisfying cinematic experience. While not reinventing the genre, it succeeds in reminding viewers why romantic comedies continue to hold appeal across generations.