As a seasoned movie connoisseur who’s seen his fair share of rom-coms since the days of “Sleepless in Seattle” and “Pretty Woman”, I can confidently say that “Young Werther” is a breath of fresh air in the genre. This modern adaptation, set in Toronto, offers an irresistible blend of humor, heart, and stunning visuals. The charming Douglas Booth shines as the titular character, while Alison Pill and Patrick J. Adams deliver performances that are sure to leave you smitten.
Recall the name ‘Werther’, familiarize yourself with it, and perhaps even grow to appreciate it, or not. It’s unlikely that you’ll loathe the title character of ‘Young Werther’, Lionsgate’s latest romantic comedy offering, by the story’s end. Douglas Booth delivers a breakout performance as this charming English lad, so remember his name, as he is destined for more significant roles in the future, including Terrence Malick’s upcoming biblical epic.
While we’re waiting, enjoy the charming American accent of our unnamed character along with the delightful Alison Pill (known for her role in The Newsroom) and the witty Patrick J. Adams (famous for Suits). This light-hearted production, often intentionally disrespectful, was both written and directed by José Avelino Gilles Corbett Lourenço. The film’s amusing moments gradually escalate towards an ending that might be seen as a twist by romantic comedy fans, but they may not be aware of the original novel.
A Romance Dating Back to the 1700s
Surprisingly, the vibrant romantic comedy from Lionsgate traces its roots back to the 1700s in Goethe’s novel, “The Sorrows of Young Werther.” This novel had a profound effect on the Romantic movement later on. If you develop an interest or fascination for this film reminiscent of “Werther fever,” be aware that the term was associated with a more somber trend long ago, after the book’s publication. In the novel, Werther meets a tragic end, and director Lourenço creatively references the original tale while enhancing other aspects to fresh heights for today’s audience, who may be tired of familiar tropes – without revealing any spoilers about what unfolds on the silver screen.
The brand new movie version of this story takes place not in Europe, but instead in Toronto, Canada. Our protagonist Werner (Booth) isn’t chasing after love initially, but rather completing a task. However, much like how many romantic comedies unfold, everything shifts when a charming, radiant woman named Charlotte (Pill), who is even more enchanting than ever in this role, enters his Canadian life.
At a grand event filled with a waltz, moonlit beverages, and stimulating discussions, Werner finds himself deeply smitten by the charming lady. The enchanting evening ends tragically when Werner learns that Charlotte is taken – she’s about to marry the suave lawyer Albert (Adams). A clock begins ticking furiously in Werther’s anxious mind as he wonders if there’s still a chance for him to change Charlotte’s romantic destiny.
A Delightful Cast Carry Out the Fun & Games
In simpler terms, when Werther isn’t with Charlotte, he consults his odd acquaintance Paul (Jaouhar Ben Ayed) for guidance. Meanwhile, Charlotte uses her spare time to act as a counselor for her sister Sissy (Iris Apatow), who has feelings for Werther, and seeks advice from her close friend Melanie (Amrit Kaur).
In Adams’ portrayal, the antagonist is captivating. Albert finds charm in Werther, primarily because he assumes the main problem lies in the young Sissy’s affection for Werther, who is seen as a transient town guest and now part of Charlotte’s close circle. The film remains engaging due to these lighthearted scenes, particularly when good-natured Albert introduces the unskilled Werther to skeet shooting in the countryside; and when Werther unwittingly causes mischief as he pursues Charlotte throughout town, stirring up amusing incidents at various local shops.
Reigniting the Rom-Com
In the third part of the film, the initial excitement gives way to a somber mood, appearing more like a duty than an authentic portrayal of reality. The filmmakers seem to favor joy and omit “Sorrows” from this adaptation’s title, suggesting they struggle to depict melancholy effectively. Yet, Werther’s self-aware character adds an intriguing layer — he is a writer, after all — as if he recognizes the amusement his struggles might provoke in those observing his journey (us).
In addition to the main storyline, there are many other delightful aspects to appreciate in the movie’s 101-minute duration. The film beautifully captures Toronto’s charm, demonstrating director Lourenço’s mastery behind the camera. Booth impresses as a rising talent, while Pill serves as a reminder of her versatility beyond series like Star Trek: Picard. It’s a joy to see Adams back on screen from his days on Suits, and the three leads provide numerous humorous moments that harken back to the charm of romantic comedies – even if the narrative succumbs to some familiar plot points and tropes we can anticipate. Lionsgate will release Young Werther in theaters, digitally, and on demand on December 13.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Pros:
– A starmaking role for the charming Booth
– Try to not fall in love with Pill here
– Lively, comically irreverent storytelling
Cons:
– Falls into familiar rom-com tropes
– Lovers of cheesy happy endings are in for a twist
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2024-12-09 14:32