It Had To Be You

It Had To Be You is a 2015 unconventional romantic comedy film that captures the whirlwind of emotions surrounding love, the fear of commitment, and the societal pressures and expectations surrounding marriage. The film stars Cristin Milioti and Dan Soder in the lead roles, with a supporting cast that includes Halley Feiffer.

Directed and written by Sasha Gordon, the film blurs the line between the genres of romantic comedy and drama, offering a unique blend of humor, depth, and context that makes it a standout from the conventional romantic comedy genre. While the film contains customary elements of a rom-com, including the highs and lows of a relationship, it also explores deeper themes including self-discovery, personal growth, and the pressure of societal norms on individuals.

In the lead role, Cristin Milioti who viewers may recognise from How I Met Your Mother or Palm Springs, superbly portrays the character of Sonia, a quirky and charming young woman who finds herself at a crossroads. Sonia is in a long-term relationship with her charming, off-beat partner Chris, played by Dan Soder. Their relationship seems perfect until Chris does the unexpected: he proposes.

The film delves into Sonia's immediate panic and indecisiveness, as she breaks out of the norms and conventional expectations of jumping at a proposal. Her struggle to make this life-altering decision is a significant plotline in the movie, giving the viewers a real look at the complexities and difficulties of making such significant life choices. Milioti's portrayal of Sonia is impressively authentic and relatable, injecting humor and vulnerability into the intricate characterization.

On the other hand, Dan Soder gives an excellent performance as Chris, the boyfriend who remains patient, loving, and steadfast despite Sonia's apprehensions about marriage. Soder's charming portrayal of his character comes off as genuine, and his chemistry with Milioti makes their relationship on-screen captivating to watch.

The film also explores the concept of sologamy or self-marriage as Sonia embarks on a lone journey to Rome after rejecting Chris’s proposal. It is during this journey that she starts to reevaluate her fears and views on life, love, and commitment. The movie is as much about self-discovery and identity as it is about romantic relationships.

Interchanging between light-hearted humor and emotional scenes, the director skillfully balances between Sonia's inner turmoil and the film's comedic elements. Various scenes in the movie are genuinely funny while remaining contextually relevant and thought-provoking, making the film stand out in its genre.

What makes It Had To Be You uniquely different from other rom-coms is its refreshing and innovative take on self-empowerment and self-love. It brings up the question of societal norms, particularly around marriage, forcing the viewers to question whether these norms might be restricting individual freedom and personal growth. It leaves its audience considering what true love indeed entails and whether societal expectations should dictate life-changing decisions.

Although the film's storyline is primarily focused on Sonia's perspective, it also shows the impact of her decisions on Chris, her friends, and the people around her. This multidimensional perspective gives the story depth and authenticity, making it relatable to its audience on numerous levels.

The film includes a well-curated soundtrack that smoothly complements the storyline and the different high and low points in Sonia's journey. Director Sasha Gordon, who is also a composer, lends her musical skill to the film which adds an extra layer of depth and delight for the viewers.

From beginning to end, It Had To Be You is filled with smart humor, emotion, and real-life relationship struggles, making it compelling, charming, and relatable at the same time. It provides a refreshing and thought-provoking outlook on love and life, making it a must-watch for fans of smarter side of the romantic comedy genre.