TO SCREEN TO SCREEN

In a world of Tinder, sliding into dm’s and complete ghosting, romance could never be the same as the allure of a Bridgerton love. The show’s regency-era take on dating is very different to what we do nowadays, but that’s part of the fun, right? The words in the book create a world of beauty, elegance, and regency perfection, but the tv series brings the whole thing to life. It’s as if the reader is sitting on their sofa in a ballroom, surrounded by beautiful gowns and flowers, awaiting a handsome duke to dance with. Introducing tasteful balls, troublesome courtships, influential families and not forgetting about some saucy scandals, the tv series can only be described as the new Downton Abbey. As well as a captivating storyline, watchers are presented with pop hits turned into classical compositions, with each adding a modern element separating the series from other period dramas. This tv show portrays the will-they-or-won’t-they forbidden romance at its best and is undoubtedly a must-watch.

It’s indisputable that this story is sweet but sad, with a beautiful ending. It’s a classic tale. The vague hostile, rich man falls in love with the bright and kind-natured, working-class woman. This film is nothing like the over-the-top, dramatic, and slightly overdone Hollywood romance movies. It tells the tale of an unconventional love story between two people from opposite classes and directions in life. This film is realistic, and touching, yet heartbreaking at the same time. We see a raw depiction of a physically and emotionally broken man (Will), alongside a similar version of Bridget Jones (Lou), who’s rather clumsy and bubbly, but most importantly helps Will to forget his limitations. Portraying a pure, boundless love and emphasising the importance of living life to the fullest, it’s one you’ll want to watch repeatedly! The ending of this movie is a tear-jerker. I won’t say if they’re happy or sad tears, but I can say there won’t be a dry eye in sight.

This film balances the act of telling a heartwarming story with beautiful cinematography perfectly. You won’t be able to look away whilst watching, with each scene aesthetically showing the simplicity of a lifestyle in the heart of an Italian summer and the romance between Elio (Timothée Chalamet) and Oliver (Armie Hammer). Rather than using basic long shots, director Luca Guadagnino embeds meaning through simplicity in every scene, using minimal shots of the surroundings. It’s as though the characters are going about their lives and we, the observers, are watching them pass by like strangers on a street. The layers and depth used within this movie, add to the intimacy between the characters and creates private and believable moments. What captures the watchers is the unflinching portrayal of first love, both the happiness and the authentically human heartbreak. If I could do anything for the first time again, it would be to watch this movie.