We are firmly in the age of the romcom renaissance. Anyone But You, released in 2023 and starring Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney, for example, grossed USD$220 million (£171 million) globally. I believe this success has seen the rhythms and patterns of the romcom infiltrate films of other genres. These films are not marketed as romantic comedies, but as action or comedies.
Netflix original Hit Man (2024) is one example. It tells the story of Gary (also played by Powell), a psychology professor and undercover “hitman for hire”. Gary uses his various disguises as a hitman to catch the people attempting murder, until he has a change of heart after meeting Madison (Adria Arjona).
Another is The Fall Guy (2024). The film’s lead, Ryan Gosling, proclaimed the movie a “love letter to stunts”. It follows Colt (Gosling) as he is framed for murder by the man he acts as stunt double for. All while trying to rekindle a relationship with film director Jody (Emily Blunt).
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