The Very Thought of You

The Very Thought of You is a British romantic comedy that was released in 1998. The film was directed by Nick Hamm and starred some well-known actors, including Joseph Fiennes, Monica Potter, and Rufus Sewell. The film's multifaceted storyline weaves a sparkling mesh of comedy, friendship, and love, which presents us with an adorable and feeling good movie for a relaxed evening.

The story develops around a single consumption pattern, quite common in the late 90's romance genre - love at a first sight. It starts when Martha (Monica Potter), a young American woman decides in a spur of the moment decision to give up her dead-end job and fly to London after winning a coin toss. Being disillusioned with her love life and personally dejected in the crowded dating arena of the Big Apple, she sought to break her predictable routines, hoping for a fresh start in a new city.

During the flight, she crosses paths with Daniel (Tom Hollander), an Englishman who strikes up a conversation and is instantly smitten by her. Daniel, unaware of Martha's actual intentions behind her trip, encapsulates the charm of London to her inflating her excitement about the city. This chance meeting sows the seeds of the upward spiral of events, and happenstance encounters that make the core of the movie.

Just after the landing Martha encounters another gentleman, Laurence (Joseph Fiennes), at the baggage claim area. The dashingly handsome Laurence is smitten by Martha's charm just like Daniel and offers to carry her bags. He is a rather shy and modest man, who contrary to his friend Daniel is more socially awkward but genuinely kind-hearted. This improbable encounter is the starting spark that kindles the romance that forms the core of the film.

The delightful twist in the movie arrives when the audience realizes that Laurence and Daniel are not just acquaintances but actually best friends living together. The mysterious lady from America becomes the talk of their small, tightly-knit group of friends. The group also includes the suave, womanizer, more brutish, Frank (Rufus Sewell). Martha unaware of the connection between these men, finds herself drowning in a whirlpool of attention, fondness, and affection coming from all three men who are, ironically, close friends. As the name suggests, 'The Very Thought of You' swirls around Martha and her unexpected, somewhat whimsical romantic emergencies in London with these men who are friends and competitors simultaneously.

Although primarily romantic, the film is really a study of characters, with each character exposed in amusing and human dimensions. It subtly expresses the nuanced individual moral struggles, their introspecting self-analyses and consequents actions that modulate the whole dynamic of this weirdly tricky romantic scenario, making it even more challenging and comical. The element of comedy is derived from miscommunications, misunderstandings, sarcasm, sardonic vocabulary, rather than forced comedy providing a more organic sense of humor.

The leading performances shine throughout, as the characters navigate the tricky terrain of their interconnected romantic endeavors. Monica Potter, as the attractive yet real and complicated Martha, successfully delivers the dilemma and perplexity of her character, making the audience empathize with her. Joseph Fiennes' portrayal of Laurence is tender and earnest, exuding a depth of sincerity and vulnerability that lends warmth to his interactions with Martha. Daniel and Frank on the other hand, assert a compelling presentation of the contrasting personalities in the context of love and friendship.

'The Very Thought of You' while being a delightful romantic comedy, also meticulously showcases a thought-provoking discourse on fate, coincidence, and the choices we make. With a beautiful amalgamation of British humor, love, and a theme of serendipity, it proves a captivating cinematic experience. Despite its lightweight premise, the movie serves up several unexpected twists and turns that keep viewers engaged until the end. This delightful, feel-good film promises a fun and heartwarming viewing experience that is ideal for a lazy weekend or a light-hearted movie night.