For this week’s date-night pick we’re heading to sun-drenched Sydney with Anyone But You, a fizzy, modern romantic comedy that plays with the beloved “enemies-to-lovers” trope. Directed by Will Gluck and led by the super-watchable duo of Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, it’s the kind of escapist crowd-pleaser that invites you to lean back, laugh freely, and root for two beautiful people who absolutely should not work… until they just might. The set-up is gloriously simple: a brilliant meet-cute goes awry, fate throws the pair back together at a destination wedding, and a fake relationship turns into very real feelings. There’s glamour, slapstick, and a surprising streak of sincerity running beneath the banter. Crucially for daters, it’s light enough to watch after a long day yet lively enough to spark conversation about chemistry, timing, and taking chances.
Overview of Anyone But You
Will Gluck’s romcom splashes around Sydney Harbour, blends sharp one-liners with physical comedy, and nods knowingly to classic romance without ever feeling dusty. It’s glossy, pacy and built around two charismatic leads, with a colourful supporting cast adding warmth and mischief around the edges.
- Genre(s): Romantic comedy
- Release date (UK): 26 December 2023
- Age classification (UK): 15 (very strong language and sex references)
- Run time: 103 minutes
Main Characters
Beatrice “Bea” Messina (Sydney Sweeney): A whip-smart, impulsive law student whose picture-perfect plans are wobbling. Sweeney plays Bea with a blend of steel and silliness: she’s capable, chaotic, occasionally defensive, and very easy to root for once the mask slips. Her arc isn’t about “fixing” herself so much as admitting what she really wants—and who she wants it with.
Ben (Glen Powell): The kind of charming, quick-quipping finance bro who could be insufferable if Powell weren’t so effortlessly likeable. Ben is all surface swagger at first glance, but there’s boyish vulnerability behind the bravado. When he’s sparring with Bea, the dialogue crackles; when he’s simply looking at her, you understand the stakes.
Claudia (Alexandra Shipp) & Halle (Hadley Robinson): The brides whose big day pulls everyone to Australia. As sisters-in-law-to-be and natural chaos curators, they add heart and a gentle nudge towards destiny—because what are weddings if not carefully staged opportunities for romance?
Jonathan (Darren Barnet) & Margaret (Charlee Fraser): Exes whose presence keeps tensions deliciously high. They’re not moustache-twirling obstacles—more mirrors that force Bea and Ben to confront their own mixed signals.
Innie & Leo (Rachel Griffiths & Dermot Mulroney): Parental figures who bring warmth and well-meaning meddling. Their scenes layer in family expectations and the classic romcom pressure cooker of a destination celebration.
Movie Soundtrack
The soundtrack is a sparkling cocktail of glossy pop and breezy, sunlit vibes. The needle-drop everyone talks about is Natasha Bedingfield’s 2000s anthem “Unwritten”, used not just once but as a playful motif that pays off with joyous abandon. It’s one of those rare music cues that becomes a character—an inside joke shared by the film and the audience—giving the story an infectious, hands-in-the-air release. Complementing the pop moments, the original score by Este Haim and Christopher Stracey keeps things buoyant and modern, with synth-kissed textures that glide under the film’s flirty rhythms. There’s also an original title track from Still Woozy that slots neatly into the film’s palette: warm, woozy, and a touch wistful. Together, the music choices do heavy lifting—amplifying the flirtation, cushioning the pratfalls, and sending you out humming.
Why Watch on Date Night
Because it’s easy to agree on. Anyone But You is unabashedly romantic without being syrupy, genuinely funny without requiring encyclopaedic pop-culture knowledge, and brisk enough to finish before the takeaway gets cold. The enemies-to-lovers energy fuels lively discussion—who’s more at fault after that disastrous first date? When does playful teasing tip into something real?—and the “fake dating” ruse provides just the right amount of second-hand thrill. New couples will appreciate the low-pressure laughs; established couples will enjoy the comfort of a well-executed romcom formula done with style. The Sydney setting—beaches, boats, skyline, the Opera House—adds a holiday mood that makes the sofa feel a little closer to summer. And if you’re the type who likes to trade favourite moments afterwards, there are plenty of quotable lines, physical gags and grin-inducing callbacks to choose from.
Viewers’ Guide
- Shakespearean wink: The story riffs on Much Ado About Nothing, with verbal sparring, meddling friends and a pair who protest too much. You don’t need to know the play to enjoy it, but theatre buffs will clock the DNA.
- Location lust: Filmed across Sydney—think Bondi, Palm Beach and that iconic Opera House—so expect postcard-perfect backdrops and sea-breeze escapades.
- Set-piece to watch for: A water-borne rescue that folds action, comedy and confession into one very romcom moment.
- Behind-the-scenes tidbit: Production included some very Aussie encounters (yes, arachnids were involved), adding to the film’s sunny, outdoorsy authenticity.
- Escort level for language/innuendo: It’s a 15 for a reason—salty language, suggestive humour and some cheeky nudity—so plan your audience accordingly.
Similar Films
- Set It Up (2018): Two overworked assistants play matchmaker for their bosses and accidentally catch feelings themselves. Slick New York energy and crackling banter.
- Crazy Rich Asians (2018): Destination romance with family fireworks and lavish set-pieces; a modern fairy tale that balances heart and humour.
- The Lost City (2022): A sparky adventure-romcom pairing a romance novelist with a himbo model; big laughs, bigger chemistry.
- How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003): Deception-based dating hijinks that spiral into genuine attachment—proof the trope endures when stars charm.
- Much Ado About Nothing (2012): Joss Whedon’s modern-dress Shakespeare adaptation, shot in black-and-white at a house party—pure verbal fencing.
- The Proposal (2009): A fake engagement that turns flinty colleagues into something warmer amid family scheming and scenic escapes.
Snack Idea
Lean into the Aussie setting with a playful “Sydney spread”: start with sea-salt crisps (prawn cocktail if you’re feeling retro), a dip duo (hummus and sweet chilli cream cheese), and a platter of fresh fruit skewers. Add something sweet and shareable—chocolate-covered biscuits (Tim Tams if you can find them), or classic digestives for a UK twist—and keep a bowl of salted popcorn within easy reach for those big set-pieces. Drinks-wise, pair sparkling water with lime for a refreshing non-alcoholic option, or crack open a crisp lager or citrusy spritz. The goal is finger-food you can graze on without taking eyes—or laughter—off the screen.
Conclusion: The Case for Anyone But You
If date night calls for something glossy, funny and just sincere enough to make your heart lift, this delivers. Sweeney and Powell spark like flint and steel, the jokes land with fizzy confidence, and the musical cues send the energy sky-high. By the time the film hits its joyous final stretch, you’ll be smiling at how cleverly it turns romcom comfort food into a mini-celebration. Queue it up, share the snacks, and let Sydney’s sunshine—and two stubborn fools—do the rest.
Anyone But You FAQ
What is Anyone But You about (no spoilers)?
A pair who clicked on a first meeting reunite at a Sydney wedding and agree to fake a romance, only to find real feelings creeping in. It’s a sunny, modern enemies-to-lovers romcom with sharp banter and postcard-perfect Australia backdrops.
Is Anyone But You a good choice for date night?
Yes. It’s light, funny and upbeat, with plenty of chemistry and conversation starters. The tone is flirty rather than heavy, making it ideal for new couples and an easy win for more established pairs looking for low-stress fun.
What’s the age rating and run time?
In the UK it’s rated 15 for strong language and sex references, and it runs for approximately 103 minutes—short enough to pair with dinner or a dessert stop afterwards.
Who are the main stars?
Sydney Sweeney plays Bea and Glen Powell plays Ben. The supporting cast includes Alexandra Shipp, Hadley Robinson, Darren Barnet, Charlee Fraser, Rachel Griffiths and Dermot Mulroney.
Will the humour suit a first date?
Likely, yes. The jokes are accessible and rooted in character chemistry rather than niche references. If you both enjoy playful teasing and a bit of slapstick, it will land nicely without awkward intensity.
Does the film have any content I should know about before choosing it for a date?
Expect strong language, suggestive dialogue and brief nudity consistent with a 15 certificate. If either of you prefers squeaky-clean content, consider this in advance and choose snacks and seating accordingly.
Where was it filmed and what’s the vibe?
Filming took place around Sydney, with beaches, boats and skyline views giving the film a breezy, holiday feel—great for setting a relaxed date-night mood.
What music features in the film?
The soundtrack is pop-forward and exuberant, with Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” as a recurring, feel-good motif. The score by Este Haim and Christopher Stracey keeps the energy modern and buoyant.
Is there a Shakespeare connection?
Yes. The film nods to Much Ado About Nothing with witty sparring, meddling friends and two leads who protest too much—handy trivia to impress a date without giving the plot away.
How can we use this film to spark conversation?
Try low-stakes prompts: “What’s your favourite romcom trope?”, “Would you ever agree to fake-date as a favour?”, or “What made their chemistry work for you?” These keep things light while revealing taste and values.
Any tips to make a cosy movie date at home?
Go for shareable snacks (popcorn, biscuits, fruit) and soft lighting. Put phones on silent, agree a no-spoilers rule during key scenes, and save favourite-moment chat for the credits to keep the flow romantic.
What films should we watch if we enjoy this?
Try Set It Up for workplace matchmaking fun, Crazy Rich Asians for lavish destination romance, The Proposal for fake-engagement hijinks, or Much Ado About Nothing for the classic verbal fencing.
Is it better for a cinema trip or a sofa night?
It works in both settings. Big-screen Sydney shots feel summery and communal, while at home the romcom rhythms suit a relaxed, snack-friendly evening where you can pause for a laugh.
Does the film have a post-credits scene or extra tags?
No spoilers here, but it’s worth sitting through the credits for the feel-good musical payoff and a final wink of the film’s playful spirit.
What’s a simple snack pairing that fits the theme?
Keep it breezy: salted popcorn, chocolate biscuits (Tim Tams if available, or digestives), fruit skewers and sparkling water with lime. It’s shareable, minimal-mess and matches the summery tone.
Will we need to know the characters’ backstories to enjoy it?
No. The film stands alone, with motivations and relationships clear from the start. You can dive straight in without prep—ideal for spontaneous date plans.
What’s a classy way to suggest this film without seeming clichéd?
Try: “Fancy something light and scenic set in Sydney with great chemistry and a killer soundtrack?” It signals tone and setting without spoiling jokes or the central spark.
