Revisiting 'Love Actually': Subplots that Haven't Stood the Test of Time
Love Actually may be a beloved holiday film, but as it turns 20, some cringeworthy moments have been highlighted From Colin's questionable storyline to a controversial kiss, here are the eyebrow-raising subplots that haven't aged well
Romance and the holiday season are inseparable, as evidenced by the countless holiday-themed romantic comedies, like "The Holiday" and "The Knight before Christmas" on Netflix.
Richard Curtis' 2003 directorial debut, "Love Actually," has solidified its place in the romantic comedy genre despite receiving mixed reviews upon its initial release. The film, which features an expansive story with nine different subplots exploring love in all its forms, has been newly restored in 4K and re-released for home entertainment and in some theaters for its 20th anniversary. The movie follows a variety of characters, including a possibly unfaithful husband, a lonely writer, a grieving widower, an unlucky-in-love individual, a washed-up rockstar, and a yearning prime minister, as they navigate their own journeys of love during the snowy Christmas season.
The film has faced growing scrutiny, particularly for its relentless fat jokes and the way it downplays the importance of female characters. In 2013, Lindy West, the author of "Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman," which was later adapted into a Hulu series, criticized the film's central message as being that the less a woman speaks, the more lovable she is.
West contends that the movie predominantly features white men asserting themselves over women they feel entitled to. He also argues that the film primarily focuses on men's actions. Despite these criticisms, the movie continues to be a must-watch for many, especially for those who have fond memories of it. The film also offers charming moments that capture the overarching theme that love is present everywhere.
20 years after the film's original release, some aspects of the film feel outdated, a point that Curtis himself acknowledged last year.
"I would make changes," he stated. "Fortunately, society is evolving. Certain parts of my film are inevitably going to seem out of touch. The absence of diversity makes me feel uneasy and somewhat foolish."
In honor of the films 20th anniversary and re-release, here are its most brow-raising, wince-inducing, hands-to-face moments.
Colins entire plotline
Elisha Cuthbert, January Jones, Kris Marshall, and Ivana Milicevic are all discussing the predicament of having only a small bed, resulting in Marshall's character having to share with all three of them. Yes, really.
Colin, portrayed by Kris Marshall, makes his debut in the title sequence. One of his initial lines is delivered while serving breakfast to women in an office building: "Care for some of my delicious nuts?" he jokes with a sly grin. He then playfully tells another woman, "Good morning, my future wife."
Just those two sentences are enough to make any movie enthusiast recoil. And there's even more. Colin is fed up, declaring that British women are too difficult to satisfy, so he heads off to the US where it's believed that women will be so enchanted by his English accent that he won't have to make an effort. We wish there was more to his story, but that's all there is to it.
In the movie's conclusion, we see him arriving at a bar in Milwaukee, and later bringing a tall blonde woman back to England. We don't learn anything else about either of them, other than the fact that he's interested in sex and she's attracted to British accents.
Juliet kissing her husbands best friend
Juliet (Keira Knightley) kissing Mark (Andrew Lincoln) for some unknown reason.
Peter Mountain/Universal/Dna/Working Title/Kobal/Shutterstock
The movie opens with Juliet (Keira Knightley) and Peter (Chiwetel Ejiofor) getting married and appearing happy. They ride off into their happily ever after as a band plays The Beatles' "All You Need Is Love." However, things take a turn when Peter's best man, Mark (Andrew Lincoln), confesses his love for Juliet, despite treating her with contempt. The reasons behind his sudden change of heart and strange behavior remain unclear to both Juliet and the audience.
The iconic scene reaches its peak when he arrives at her door with notecards, essentially confessing his love for her. While it may have been intended as a romantic gesture at the time, pursuing his best friend's wife and expressing his love, especially after creating a movie dedicated to her, raises questions about his character.
As if that wasn't cringeworthy enough, Juliet inexplicably chases after him and kisses him as he walks away, shamelessly yielding to her desires.
Who do you have to screw around here to get a chocolate biscuit? says the prime minister
Then she hurries back indoors, rejoining her husband (the devoted Peter, whom we haven't encountered or heard from since the wedding). It remains a mystery whether he learns about this complete breach of faith, seemingly justified in the holiday spirit, even though Mark declares "On Christmas, you tell the truth." Bah humbug.
Hugh Grant as the prime minister, who finds himself attracted Natalie and handles it oh-so-professionally by trying to get her fired.
Peter Mountain from Universal, DNA, Working Title, Kobal, and Shutterstock captured the moment of a powerful world leader (portrayed by Hugh Grant) discussing the idea of exchanging a chocolate cookie for a favor, eliciting a cringe-worthy reaction. The tension escalates as Natalie (played by Martine McCutcheon) enters the scene, revealing her as the person one would have to make a compromising deal with.
The nature of their courtship is akin to an HR nightmare, common in rom-com relationships. Later on, the prime minister's secretary refers to Natalie as "the chubby girl" with "huge thighs," and this is not the only fat joke made at her expense. The most powerful elected official in England even considers firing Natalie solely because he cannot stop thinking about her "huge thighs," despite her doing nothing wrong.
Somehow, after she leaves the job, these two end up together.
Jamie Bennett proposing to Aurélia
Colin Firth's character in the midst of proposing, with Aurélia's entire family and community behind him.
Colin Firth's character proposes to Lúcia Moniz's character in a triumphant moment. He shows up at her house, speaking stilted Portuguese, and they lead her to her current job. He proposes to her in broken Portuguese and everyone cheers.
This situation would be endearing if it weren't for the fact that Jamie and Aurélia first met when Jamie couldn't speak Portuguese, and Aurélia couldn't speak English. Their initial communication was limited to eyebrow raises and sly glances, which may suffice for a one night stand, but for a lasting marriage?
However, after going off on his own to learn her language, Jamie returns and proposes. Why couldn't he have just stuck to a simple dinner and a movie? And it's still unclear what draws them to each other. They couldn't even have a proper conversation!
Sarah being shamed for choosing her brother over a hook-up
Laura Linney as Sarah, slowly falling in love with Karl.
From Universal
Sarah, portrayed by Laura Linney, has feelings for Karl, played by Rodrigo Santoro, the artistic director at the design firm where she is employed. She is captivated by his dark hair and seductive gaze, and before she knows it, they find themselves intertwined in a passionate encounter.
Suddenly, Sarah receives a phone call from her brother, Michael, who is hospitalized in a psychiatric ward. Despite being caught up in the moment with Karl, Sarah prioritizes her brother's needs and answers the call.
It can be debated that this is also a form of romance. However, at the conclusion of the film, Sarah is left without a partner, only receiving a simple "Merry Christmas" from Karl. Why couldn't Karl comprehend that her brother needed her? Why couldn't Sarah have both - why does she have to pick between her mentally ill brother and a handsome man?
These questions linger without resolution. The truth is, not everyone gets a fairy-tale ending. But the almost-intimate scene between Sarah and Karl feels like a punishment for prioritizing her brother, disrupting what could have been a tender relationship.
John clasping Judys breasts â albeit professionally
Martin Freeman and Joanna Page, whose characters meet as sex stand-ins.
Moviestore/Shutterstock
The production assistant explains that the stand-ins are needed for "lighting" purposes, to ensure that the team knows "when the nipples will be visible." John, portrayed by Martin Freeman, and Judy, portrayed by Joanna Page, are stand-ins on a movie set, meeting while filling in for the sex scenes in a film. As a result, we, the audience, are treated to John and Judy's awkward small talk as they simulate sex scenes.
The contrast does create some amusing moments. However, in this scene, Judy is directed to remove her shirt while John cups her breasts from behind, warming his hands with his breath. "I promise I won't peek," he says, trying to be as respectful as possible under the circumstances. (Where is the intimacy coordinator!)
"Please, go ahead and massage them," an assistant requests. Freeman appears briefly uncomfortable. (We all felt the same way.)
"Despite the criticism, 'Love Actually' remains a nostalgic reminder of love during the holidays. Variety pointed out earlier this year that the film's nonsensical charm is what makes it special.
"Journalist Stephen Rodrick wrote, 'It may be crazy, but so is real life. It's messy and filled with people like Mark and Colin Frissell. There will always be kind-hearted individuals like Sarah and Joe who give more than they receive. Despite all the chaos and emotional baggage, we navigate through Christmas parties and traffic to be with the ones we love. We save each other.'"
Many people feel similarly, hence its re-release. Maybe that is the biggest lesson "Love Actually" teaches us: When you love something, you love it, warts and all.
