Written by Olivia Longoria. Graphic by Anna Porter.
You know all the classics –“10 Things I Hate About You,” “The Notebook,” and of course “When Harry Met Sally.” These movies birthed the most iconic on-screen couples. Most people can recite Harry’s New Year’s Eve speech to Sally, and who doesn’t swoon at the award-winning rain kiss between Noah and Allie. These couples have rightfully earned their titles as romance all-stars. This Valentine’s Day season, however, I’d like to bring a few other couples to the conversation. Perhaps, you may consider promoting one of these pairs to a spot in your favorites.
Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet in “Pride and Prejudice” (specifically 2005)
It’s always “wyd” and never “you have bewitched me body and soul.” Ah, the Mr. Darcy yearn is certainly well-known in the liberal arts community, but I feel strongly that it should be well-known to everyone. First of all, who doesn’t love a slow burn? To me, what makes this depiction of falling in love so precious is the subtlety – a handheld for a fleeting moment, a gaze met for a split second. Sigh. The weight of the unspoken, am I right?
Elisa and the Amphibian Man from “The Shape of Water” (2017)
This is the kind of movie that you either love or hate. But what’s more powerful than a love that transcends language and the ability to breathe on land? This romance was so powerful, it gave Elisa gills. Despite one part of the couple being an underwater creature, this is somehow still the friends-to-lovers trope but told in a beautiful, imaginative new way. There is something innocent about the bond between Elisa and The Amphibian Man. Perhaps it is because it’s centered around protecting one another, at all costs.
Dionne and Murray in “Clueless” (1995)
To the naked eye, Dionne and Murray spend much of this cult classic bickering. But to a seasoned Valentine’s Day enthusiast, the two of them share such an authentic bond that the other characters just don’t quite achieve. My personalfavorite moment in the film is when Dionne asks Murray to stop calling her “woman.” Murray responds by saying, “Excuse me, miss Dionne, but street slang is an increasingly valid form of expression, most of the feminine pronouns do have mocking, but not necessarily misogynistic undertones.” Dionne turns to Cher and smiles. It’s funny, of course, but moments like this are an example of two young people learning how to respect and care for one another. They just have a realness about them and a tenderness that cuts through their messy moments.
Thelma and Louise in “Thelma & Louise” (1991)
There has long been debate about whether these ride or dies represent a platonic or romantic connection. Perhaps it doesn’t matter. These ladies love each other. To death. With fluffy curls and baby blue eyeshadow, these women raise hell. Thelma and Louise empower each other and above all else, they have each other’s back. Which I think, really, is what love is all about.
Bonus TV Show Couple: Shawn and Gus from “Psych”
Best on-screen friendship ever, in my love enthusiast opinion.
