Isn’t It Romantic (2019) is a romantic comedy film that satirizes the clichéd tropes of romantic comedies, all while delivering a heartfelt and humorous take on love and self-discovery. Directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson and starring Rebel Wilson, Liam Hemsworth, and Priyanka Chopra, the film presents a fun and lighthearted look at the genre by flipping the script on typical romantic comedy conventions. With its clever plot, witty dialogue, and charming performances, Isn’t It Romantic offers both a parody of and an homage to the romantic comedy genre.
Movie Overview
- Title: Isn’t It Romantic
- Genre: Romantic Comedy, Fantasy
- Director: Todd Strauss-Schulson
- Writers: Erin Cardillo, Dana Fox, Katie Silberman
- Release Date: February 13, 2019
- Cast:
- Rebel Wilson as Natalie
- Liam Hemsworth as Blake
- Priyanka Chopra as Isabella
- Adam Devine as Josh
- Betty Gilpin as Whitney
- Tom Ellis as Donny
Plot Summary
The movie follows Natalie (Rebel Wilson), a cynical architect in New York City who has never been a fan of romantic comedies. She believes that love and the happy endings depicted in these films are unrealistic and unattainable, especially after her mother constantly filled her head with fairy-tale ideals. One day, after being knocked unconscious during a robbery at a convenience store, Natalie wakes up to find that her life has turned into a romantic comedy.
In this new reality, everything seems perfect and polished — from the people she interacts with to her apartment, her career, and even the music playing in the background. Her longtime friend Josh (Adam Devine) has transformed into a potential love interest, and Blake (Liam Hemsworth), a charming billionaire, is infatuated with her. On top of all that, the gorgeous Isabella (Priyanka Chopra), a romantic rival, enters the scene, adding complications to Natalie’s love life.
However, Natalie is initially unhappy with this new reality. She soon realizes that it’s all a fantasy world created by her subconscious. Despite all the glitz and glamour of the rom-com life, she is faced with a deeper realization about herself — that true love and happiness begin with self-acceptance. In the end, Natalie must navigate this altered world to understand her feelings and discover her true desires.
Themes Explored
- Self-Acceptance and Confidence: At its heart, Isn’t It Romantic is about learning to love and accept yourself before seeking validation from others. Natalie’s journey through this surreal romantic comedy world teaches her that love and happiness don’t come from perfection or external validation, but from inner self-worth and confidence.
- Deconstructing Romantic Comedy Tropes: The movie plays with and satirizes the typical romantic comedy formula — the meet-cute, the perfect love interest, the grand gestures — while showing how unrealistic and sometimes harmful these tropes can be. It invites viewers to laugh at the absurdity of these clichés while also celebrating what makes romantic comedies so charming.
- The Power of Friendship: Natalie’s relationship with her best friend Josh is an important aspect of the movie. While romantic love is often at the forefront in rom-coms, the film reminds viewers that platonic relationships, support, and friendship are equally important in one’s journey to self-discovery.
- Love Beyond Appearances: The film emphasizes that true love isn’t just about looks or status. It’s about accepting one’s flaws and vulnerabilities, and learning to embrace imperfection in both yourself and your partner.
- Fantasy vs. Reality: The film explores the idea of fantasy worlds, where everything appears perfect and idealized. But through Natalie’s experiences, it becomes clear that these fantasies are not always the answer. Real-life relationships require effort, imperfection, and mutual understanding.
Why Watch Isn’t It Romantic?
- Rebel Wilson’s Hilarious Performance: Rebel Wilson brings her trademark humor and charm to the role of Natalie, making her character’s self-deprecating humor and sarcastic remarks relatable and fun. Wilson’s comedic timing shines throughout the film, and her performance is a major reason to watch.
- A Fresh Take on the Rom-Com: The film offers a refreshing twist on the romantic comedy genre, poking fun at the clichés while still celebrating the genre’s heartwarming appeal. Fans of romantic comedies will appreciate how the movie both parodies and honors the genre.
- Charming Cast: Alongside Rebel Wilson, the cast delivers strong performances, particularly Liam Hemsworth, who plays the dreamy romantic lead, and Adam Devine, who offers a lovable and goofy portrayal of Josh. Priyanka Chopra also makes a memorable appearance as Isabella, adding a touch of glamour and competition.
- Entertaining and Uplifting: The film is lighthearted and fun, with plenty of moments that will make you laugh. It’s an ideal pick for viewers looking for a feel-good movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
- Beautifully Visualized Fantasy World: The romantic comedy world Natalie wakes up to is visually stunning and plays with vibrant colors, musical numbers, and glossy aesthetics that make the fantasy world come to life.
Criticisms of Isn’t It Romantic
- Predictable Plot: While the film is funny and offers a playful take on the rom-com genre, its plot is relatively predictable. The formulaic nature of the story, while intentional, may feel repetitive to viewers familiar with romantic comedy tropes.
- Lack of Depth: Some critics argue that while the film has great comedic elements and offers an interesting satire of romantic comedies, it lacks deeper emotional depth. The exploration of Natalie’s character arc could have been more complex, especially in dealing with her self-worth and relationship struggles.
- Overuse of Clichés: While the film does a good job of poking fun at romantic comedy clichés, it also relies heavily on them for the narrative’s structure. This can feel a bit redundant for viewers looking for a more original storyline.
- Unrealistic Fantasy World: While the exaggerated romantic comedy world is fun and whimsical, it can sometimes feel too far removed from reality. Some viewers may find the fantasy setting distracting, especially when it comes to the over-the-top scenarios that Natalie finds herself in.
How to Watch Isn’t It Romantic (2019)
- Streaming on Netflix
Isn’t It Romantic is available for streaming on Netflix. Subscribers can enjoy the film in HD quality, with the option to add subtitles in various languages for a better viewing experience. - Digital Rental or Purchase
If you don’t have access to Netflix, you can rent or purchase Isn’t It Romantic on platforms like Google Play, Amazon, YouTube Movies, and iTunes. - Avoid Piracy
Always support the filmmakers and the entertainment industry by watching movies through legitimate streaming platforms or digital purchases. Piracy is illegal and can diminish the quality and future of film production.
Conclusion
Isn’t It Romantic (2019) is a fun and lighthearted take on the romantic comedy genre that both pokes fun at and celebrates the clichés fans love. With Rebel Wilson’s comedic brilliance at the forefront, the film delivers a message about self-acceptance and the importance of personal growth in relationships. While the plot may be predictable and the themes a bit shallow at times, the film’s charm and humor make it an enjoyable watch, especially for those who love romantic comedies.
If you’re in the mood for a feel-good movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Isn’t It Romantic provides plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments, making it a great pick for a relaxed movie night.
Disclaimer
This article encourages viewers to watch Isn’t It Romantic through authorized streaming platforms. Piracy is illegal and can harm the film industry. Always choose legal options to enjoy your favorite films.
