Released in 2019, Someone Great is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson that takes audiences on a rollercoaster of emotions. Starring Gina Rodriguez, Brittany Snow, and DeWanda Wise, the film centers around the story of Jenny (Gina Rodriguez), a young woman navigating heartbreak, change, and the powerful bond of friendship as she faces the end of a significant chapter in her life. With a refreshing mix of humor, emotion, and a killer soundtrack, Someone Great resonates with anyone who has experienced a breakup or the bittersweet excitement of starting anew.
Plot Summary
The story follows Jenny, a music journalist living in New York City, who lands her dream job in San Francisco. While this is a huge career milestone, it also marks the end of her nine-year relationship with her boyfriend, Nate (Lakeith Stanfield), who doesn’t want a long-distance commitment. Heartbroken and uncertain about her future, Jenny is devastated by the end of a relationship that once meant everything to her.
As Jenny processes her breakup, she decides to spend one last memorable day in New York with her two best friends, Blair (Brittany Snow) and Erin (DeWanda Wise). Together, the trio embarks on an adventurous day filled with spontaneous plans, laughter, and heart-to-heart moments. Through this journey, Jenny finds herself reflecting on the memories of her relationship, experiencing the pain of letting go, and embracing the importance of friendship and self-love.
Themes in Someone Great
- Heartbreak and Healing: Someone Great poignantly explores the raw emotions of heartbreak and the complex journey of healing. Jenny’s character represents anyone who has loved deeply and felt the sting of loss. Through flashbacks, we witness the beautiful moments of her relationship with Nate, making her heartbreak all the more relatable. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the messy, painful side of breakups but balances it with humor and hope.
- The Power of Female Friendship: One of the film’s strongest elements is its celebration of female friendship. Jenny’s friends, Blair and Erin, support her through her breakup and remind her of her worth. Their bond is uplifting, genuine, and refreshing, showing how friends can help us see the light during dark times. Their friendship is a reminder that romantic relationships may come and go, but true friends will always be there to lift us up.
- Self-Discovery and Growth: As Jenny faces the end of her relationship and the start of a new job, she’s forced to confront the reality of who she is and who she wants to become. This theme of self-discovery is universal, as many of us have faced moments in life when we needed to start anew. The film encourages viewers to embrace change and to see new beginnings as opportunities for growth.
- Letting Go and Moving On: Throughout the film, Jenny learns that moving on doesn’t mean erasing the past but rather embracing it and learning from it. Someone Great beautifully portrays the difficulty of letting go of someone who was once an integral part of our lives. Jenny’s journey reflects the bittersweet nature of accepting that some relationships aren’t meant to last forever, but they still hold a special place in our hearts.
- Embracing Independence: The film also highlights the importance of independence and finding happiness within oneself. Jenny’s character arc is about rediscovering who she is outside of her relationship and learning to love herself again. By the end of the film, she realizes that she doesn’t need a romantic partner to be complete, and that true happiness comes from within.
Why Someone Great is Worth Watching
- Relatable Storytelling: Someone Great offers a story that feels deeply personal and relatable. Its portrayal of a breakup is realistic, capturing the rollercoaster of emotions that many people go through. The film balances humor and heartbreak, making it easy for viewers to connect with the characters and their experiences.
- Strong Female Leads: The performances of Gina Rodriguez, Brittany Snow, and DeWanda Wise are heartfelt and genuine. Their chemistry as best friends is palpable, and they bring depth to their roles, making the friendship feel authentic. Gina Rodriguez shines as Jenny, capturing the character’s vulnerability and strength as she navigates the ups and downs of love and loss.
- Incredible Soundtrack: The film’s soundtrack is one of its standout elements, featuring songs from Lizzo, Frank Ocean, and Lorde. The music perfectly complements the story’s emotional beats, adding an extra layer of depth to key moments. Songs like “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo add energy and empowerment to the film, enhancing the narrative and making it memorable.
- A Modern Take on Romantic Comedy: Unlike traditional romantic comedies, Someone Great focuses on the journey of self-love and friendship rather than ending with a romantic reunion. This fresh perspective is both empowering and uplifting, showing that moving on from a breakup can lead to self-discovery and happiness. The film redefines the genre by highlighting the importance of finding fulfillment beyond romance.
- A Celebration of New Beginnings: At its core, Someone Great is about embracing life’s transitions. The film’s message is both comforting and inspiring, reminding viewers that life goes on and that new opportunities await, even after difficult endings. The movie leaves audiences with a sense of hope and empowerment, encouraging them to face life’s changes with courage and optimism.
Final Thoughts
Someone Great is a heartfelt and refreshing take on love, loss, and friendship. With a relatable story, strong performances, and a fantastic soundtrack, the film offers a touching portrayal of the bittersweet process of moving on. It’s a reminder that, sometimes, the end of a relationship is just the beginning of a journey to rediscovering oneself and the people who matter most.
For anyone who has experienced heartbreak, Someone Great is both a comforting and empowering watch, celebrating the strength that comes from letting go and moving forward. Whether you’re looking for a good laugh, an emotional release, or a reminder of the power of friendship, this film is a must-watch.
