The Wedding Year

The Wedding Year is a lively romantic-comedy-drama film released in 2019 and directed by Robert Luketic. It stars Sarah Hyland, known for her role in Modern Family, Tyler James Williams, famed for his character in Everybody Hates Chris, and Jenna Dewan, recognized for Step Up.

The film centers around Mara Hickey (Sarah Hyland), an aspiring photographer working as a waitress and living a carefree, no-strings-attached lifestyle in Los Angeles. Mara is commitment-phobic, which is pretty ironic given that she ends up unknowingly dating Jake Roland (Tyler James Williams), an aspiring chef who believes in marriage and long-term commitments.

Their relationship takes a complicated turn when the couple is invited to an overwhelming number of weddings in a single year–seven to be exact, hence the title The Wedding Year. This situation is a real nightmare scenario for Mara, forcing her to confront her deepest fears about commitment while Jake, on the other hand, sees it as an exciting opportunity to forge deeper connections.

As we follow the couple through their year-long journey of attending various weddings, each with their unique flavor, we become privy to the hilarious, awkward, and emotional circumstances that emerge. Their interactions with eccentric relatives, competitive siblings, and old flames bring plenty of laughs while effectively capturing the struggles they go through.

Sarah Hyland imbues Mara with an endearing vivaciousness, vulnerability, and relatability. She skilfully depicts the nuances of the character, from being carefree and slightly aloof to troubled and apprehensive about commitment, while maintaining an underlying charm. Complimenting Hyland's performance, Tyler James Williams delivers an earnest portrayal of Jake, a character who easily wins over the audience with his nuanced embodiment of romance, love, and commitment.

Jenna Dewan makes a noteworthy contribution to the movie as well, adding to the classic rom-com vibe. Her performance, combined with the on-screen presence of other supporting actors, injects additional humor and drama into the narrative.

Working within a familiar genre, director Robert Luketic deftly infuses the film with a fresh appeal. Recognized for his knack for creating light-hearted, humorous, romantic dramas like Legally Blonde or Monster-in-Law, Luketic continues his string of engaging stories with The Wedding Year.

The soundtrack is also worth mentioning, perfectly matched to the various moods and scenes of the movie. It incorporates a range of music, from pop and rock to folk, enhancing the overall cinematic experience. The film beautifully shot, capturing the ups and downs of the protagonist's life and their experiences through the course of the weddings.

From a script by Donald Diego, The Wedding Year tackles the theme of commitment and fear therein that many millennials will find relatable. With its quippy dialogue and memorable set pieces, the film provides an engaging story told with an abundance of heart and humor. The screenwriter, Diego, admirably explores the complicated dynamics of modern relationships, touching upon the fear and confusion that often accompany commitment.

In conclusion, The Wedding Year is a charming exploration of love, commitment, and fear in modern romantic relationships, all tastefully packaged within the frame of a romantic comedy. With a series of weddings serving as the background, the lead characters' journey together is pure entertainment, with many laugh-out-loud moments and cringe-worthy episodes. The gifted ensemble cast, relatable storyline, engaging soundtrack, and vivid cinematography come together in a delightful concoction, making The Wedding Year an enjoyable watch. This movie is a commendable choice for those seeking a relatable and engaging love story with a blend of humor, drama, and romance.