The Real Love Story Behind 'Anyone But You'

The Love Story of Ben and Bea

The 2023 romantic comedy 'Anyone But You' directed by Will Gluck focuses on the fake romance between Ben (Glen Powell) and Bea (Sydney Sweeney), which unexpectedly turns into a real love story. The movie's ending builds towards the possibility that the feelings they have for each other are genuine.

Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell hold each other romantically on a dock in Anyone But You.

The film begins with Ben and Bea having a chance encounter and instantly clicking, only for a series of events to lead them to hate each other. Their lives interconnect once more as Bea's sister, Halle, gets engaged to Ben's friend, Claudia. This sets the stage for the development of their fake romance, with both Ben and Bea having their own motives for wanting to fake a real romance in the days leading up to the wedding.

Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney with their arms around each others backs in Anyone but You

As their fake romance progresses, a series of wild events transpire, leading to a rollercoaster of emotions that ultimately culminates in a surprising and heartwarming ending. The entirety of 'Anyone But You' is about Ben and Bea convincing family and friends that they are in love, only for those fake feelings to become more real as time progresses.

Glen Powell's Ben and Sydney Sweeney's Bea sharing a sweet encounter in Anyone But You

The Surprising Traps and Twists

One surprise regarding Ben and Bea's relationship comes during 'Anyone But You's credits. It is revealed that Claudia and Halle had staged a conversation during the wedding reception and were never going to call off the wedding. This revelation provides a slight twist to the outcome of Ben and Bea's romance, raising questions about the authenticity of certain events. The movie cleverly pays homage to William Shakespeare's play 'Much Ado About Nothing' by drawing parallels to the plot where other characters take part in a plot to have Benedict and Beatrice fall in love.

Denzel Washington and Kenneth Branagh in Much Ado About Nothing

The references to 'Much Ado About Nothing' throughout the movie add depth to the story, highlighting the intricate web of deception and the unexpected turns that the characters face. Additionally, the credits sequence provides a slight twist to the outcome of Ben and Bea's romance, leaving viewers with a sense of intrigue and contemplation.

Glen Powell as Ben Grimacing While Sydney Sweeney as Bea Smiles in Anyone But You

The Aftermath and Potential Sequel

The ending of 'Anyone But You' sets the stage for potential sequels, leaving room for the characters and their stories to continue. With Ben and Bea now together, a sequel could explore what comes next for their relationship and how they navigate the challenges of love and commitment. The movie's ending is fairly straightforward and traditional for the rom-com genre, yet it carries a deeper meaning about finding the right person to be with and chasing after them, even if it means jumping off a cliff for a chance at true happiness.

Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney star lovingly into each other's eyes on a beach in Anyone But You.

The questions that a potential sequel could address include whether Ben and Bea's love can withstand the test of time and if they are truly meant to be together. The real meaning of 'Anyone But You's' ending lies in the journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of genuine love. It's a story that resonates with audiences and leaves a lasting impression.

Bea looking lovingly at Ben in Anyone But You