Five films to watch during your anti-Valentine’s weekend
It’s Valentine’s weekend—you know what that means! You’re about to spend hours lying in bed and browsing from one cheesy Instagram story to the next. But what’s the point? Everyone seems to be receiving flowers, going on dates and posting long captions for their partner. You’re probably thinking, “Can’t they just send this via DM?”
Why not do something other than judge relationships and predict when couples will break up? Grab some popcorn and watch a movie! You might stumble upon a film that gives you some hope in true love or makes you realize that you’re better off happily single. Whichever it is, here are five films to watch for you, *the* anti-Valentine.
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“Legally Blonde” (2001)
Starring: Reese Wtiherspoon
Directed by: Robert Luketic
Entering Harvard Law School to prove to your ex that it was a mistake to break up with you? What, like it’s hard? Elle Woods does it with ease—not to mention, she does it in fabulous outfits. Bend and snap your way into self-affirmation! Legally Blonde is an empowering reminder to push your limits, know your worth and display your value with pride. Write that down on pink-scented paper.
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“John Tucker Must Die” (2006)
Starring: Brittany Snow, Sophia Bush, Arielle Kebel, Ashanti
Directed by: Betty Thomas
As should all serial cheaters! In this early 2000s classic, three of John Tucker’s girlfriends join forces to take him down. And what better way to do that than by finding and grooming his kryptonite? The three enlist a girl he’s never noticed before, train her to get his attention and set her out on a mission to break his heart.
“Eat, Pray, Love” (2010)
Starring: Julia Roberts
Directed by: Ryan Murphy
Your relationship with others is only as healthy as the one you have with yourself. If you constantly give people your time, you’ll eventually find that you can’t sit with your emotions. Such is the case for New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert, whose life crumbles as soon as her marriage does. In a soul-searching quest, she embarks on a trip to eat in Italy, pray in India and love in Bali. Find peace in solitude as you walk in her shoes; see the world through her eyes and realize what truly matters. And if it seems too unrealistic, know it’s based on a true story.
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“Gone Girl” (2014)
Starring: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike
Directed by: David Fincher
Away from the feel-good, comforting anti-Valentine films is the psychological thriller Gone Girl. Prepare for your trust issues to unfold as former NY-based writer Nick and his glamorous wife Amy’s perfect marriage falls apart when the latter disappears on their fifth wedding anniversary and the former becomes the prime suspect. This movie is two and a half hours of thinking you know something, then finding out you’re wrong…again and again. Trust issues are real.
“Malcolm & Marie” (2021)
Starring: John David Washington, Zendaya
Directed by: Sam Levinson
The entire film is in black and white, but it shows you that relationships are quite the opposite. Malcolm is a filmmaker who’s taking Hollywood by storm with his film, which is heavily inspired by his girlfriend Marie’s struggle with drug addiction. Set in only one evening (during the movie’s premiere), it feels like the slow burn you get when the couple next door’s bickering but you’re so hooked that you can’t stop listening. One minute they’re expressing their love for each other, the next minute she’s questioning his intentions and he’s gaslighting her. There’s a long, long night ahead for Malcolm & Marie.
RELATED: Malcolm & Marie: This Is Not a Love Story
This Valentine’s Day, whether you’re boo’d up or not, do something nice for yourself—even if it’s something as small as watching a movie.
Words Kyla Villena
Art Matthew Ian Fetalver
