The Ultimate Love Triangle Done Right

The Big Picture

Love triangles in literature and cinema often feel contrived, but Brooklyn shows how choosing between two partners can create real dramatic tension.

In Brooklyn, the protagonist Eilis faces the difficult task of understanding and embracing the contrasting dating traditions of Ireland and America. Connecting with individuals of her own age becomes a daunting challenge for her. Eilis's two potential partners, Tony and Jim, symbolize distinct facets of her identity – either American or Irish. Opting for one over the other compels her to make a life-altering choice about her future whereabouts.

Love triangles are a well-known trope in both literary fiction and cinema. Often, love triangles serve as a convenient plot device, adding superficial tension without truly challenging the audience's expectations. It's typically easy to predict which partner a character will ultimately choose. While love triangles can be enjoyable for viewers, they rarely reflect the complexities of real relationships. However, when executed effectively, the concept of choosing between two romantic partners can indeed create compelling dramatic tension. A prime example of this is the remarkable 2015 period piece Brooklyn, which illustrates how two romantic prospects can embody different aspects of a character's identity. The protagonist's decision to favor one potential suitor over the other forces her to confront the clash between two distinct cultures.

‘Brooklyn’ Shows the Challenges of the Immigrant Experience

Brooklyn, an adaptation of Nick Hornby's acclaimed novel, delves into the tumultuous romantic journey of Eilis Lacey (played by Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish girl torn between two potential suitors: Tony Fiorello (Emory Cohen), an Italian boy, and Jim Farrell (Domhnall Gleeson), an Irish bachelor. Raised in Ireland, Eilis immigrates to the United States during her prime years, which poses a challenge for her in understanding the dynamics of a genuine relationship. The values instilled in her since childhood differ greatly from the American approach to courtship, where dating is perceived as a common pastime. In contrast, Eilis was brought up to envision a future with her romantic partner.

Eilis struggles to connect with her peers due to her unconventional upbringing. Although she finds a small Irish community in Brooklyn, it is difficult for her to find others her age who can relate to her experiences. The community is mostly comprised of older religious leaders, and even at work, she is surrounded by older customers. This isolation changes when she meets Tony at an Irish cultural festival. Tony, though not Irish himself, takes a genuine interest in Eilis and treats her well on their initial dates, rather than using a pickup line.

Despite coming from different backgrounds, Tony and Eilis share many similarities. Both have experienced discrimination as Irish and Italian immigrants in the 1950s, which gives them an understanding of what it means to be considered "second class citizens." Spending time with Tony and his Italian family makes Eilis feel at home once again. While their traditions differ from her own, Tony's family still values their ancestral heritage and respects their older community members. Through her relationship with Tony, Eilis learns new things, such as the intricacies of eating spaghetti, but is also reminded of the importance of family, which was a significant aspect of her upbringing.

Eilis’ Two Suitors in 'Brooklyn' Represent Her Dual Identity

Adapting to Tony's perspective challenges Eilis, pushing her to learn about the unfamiliar country she now calls home. Just as she begins to establish a new identity, devastating news arrives: her mother, Mary (Jane Brennan), has unexpectedly passed away from a serious illness. Returning home to mourn proves difficult; the lengthy and disorienting boat journey forces Eilis to reevaluate the worth of her life in America. Going back to Ireland means confronting emotions, places, and customs she had long left behind. Regrettably, reconnecting with her homeland also reminds Eilis of how much she has missed Ireland and the possibility of leaving Tony behind.

Director John Crowley skillfully blends the elements of a coming-of-age tale and a timeless romance in the captivating film, Brooklyn. Unlike typical young adult love stories, the initial connections between Eilis and Tony (and later, between Eilis and Jim) serve a deeper purpose beyond mere melodrama. These two potential suitors symbolize the contrasting lives Eilis could embrace: American or Irish. While Eilis is connected to both countries through her cultural roots, she must ultimately choose where she will spend the rest of her life.

Upon arriving in Ireland, Eilis reconnects with her community and discovers new information about her mother, previously withheld from her during her youth. Although her trip is mostly unpleasant, Eilis finds herself nostalgic for her homeland. Even though she has embraced the New York City lifestyle and adapted to it, she still identifies as an Irish girl at heart and finds comfort in the idea of home. Interestingly, when contemplating her future in Ireland, Eilis is introduced to a man who could potentially provide it for her.

At first glance, Jim appears to be the opposite of Tony. Having been raised in Eilis' community, Jim is well-versed in their traditions. The film effectively highlights the stark contrast between the two men in how they are initially introduced to Eilis. While Tony impresses Eilis by seamlessly joining in a traditional Irish dance, Jim is presented to her through a formal dance ceremony. Tony may possess qualities that the older members of Eilis' community might issue warnings about, whereas Jim is seen as a desirable prospect for a traditional marriage for Eilis.

In Brooklyn's love triangle, the two men never cross paths or engage in a silly fight over Eilis. This unique aspect allows the audience to be fully immersed in Eilis's difficult decision-making process. Ultimately, she chooses to be with Tony and live her life in America, but lingering thoughts of what a life with Jim would be like remain in both Eilis's and the audience's minds. If you're in the U.S., you can rent Brooklyn on Amazon.