Unveiling Love Actually's Most Unsettling Moments
With the winter months rolling in, it's only natural to grab some hot cocoa and settle in for a heartwarming holiday movie. Classics like The Holiday and A Christmas Prince have become favorites, but there's one that somehow hit different - Love Actually.
Released in 2003, this romantic comedy from director Richard Curtis still captivates audiences today, especially those who grew up with it. Despite receiving mixed reviews at first, its remastered version and upcoming Comeback special maintain the film's charm. But twenty years later, some moments from Love Actually feel more chilling than charming.
Love Actually explores various forms of love through nine interconnected stories. From potentially unfaithful husbands, to grief-stricken widowers, the film takes us through an emotional rollercoaster amidst the holiday season's festivities. However, criticisms of its humor and treatment of women have surfaced over the years.
Broadcaster and author Lindy West raises these issues in her piece "Sharp: Notes from a Loud Woman." In it, she points out that "The central moral lesson of Love Actually is: women speak less, the lower their class." The entire film revolves around men's actions while women are subjected to crude jokes and objectification, according to West.
Despite some delightful scenes that embody the essence of love, there are moments that can leave you uneasy. Here are the most unsettling moments from Love Actually:
Colin's Dangerous Pursuit
Newcomer Kris Marshall's character Colin is first introduced in a cringeworthy scene, where he flirts with a woman at a business breakfast with an ironic smile, joking about his charm as a British man in America.
Colin's pursuit of women becomes more concerning as the film progresses, with the audience left wondering about the implications of his behavior. The film concludes with Colin accepting a less-than-fitting proposal from a woman from Milwaukee.
Juliet's Confusing Affair
Juliet, played by Keira Knightley, marries Peter (Chiwetel Ejiofor) at the start of the film, but her attraction to her best friend's husband, Mark (Andrew Lincoln), emerges shortly after. She kisses him, leaving their friend and viewers questioning who discovered the betrayal and whether it served the story's holiday spirit.
Mark's weird obsession with Juliet and her infamous video, coupled with Juliet's hasty decision, creates an uncomfortable and uneasy moment.
The Premier Minster's Awkward Encounter
Writer-director Richard Curtis includes a memorable scene involving the powerful world leader, played by Hugh Grant. Despite his charm, his attempts at wooing Natalie (Martine McCutcheon) lead to an awkward HR nightmare.
The lack of diversity in the film's portrayal makes Richard Curtis uncomfortable, and this moment is among those that contribute to the film's outdated feel.
Jamie's Love Story
Jamie (Colin Firth) falls in love with his Portuguese housekeeper, Aurelia (Lucia Moniz), despite their language barrier. While his persistence and determination are endearing, the sudden and seemingly unexplainable bond between them can feel unsettling.
Sarah's Selfish Decision
Laura Linney's character, Sarah, feels guilt for choosing to have sex before her mentally ill brother, Michael. Her choice to prioritize her sexual partner over her brother was disturbingly selfish and makes for an uncomfortable scene.
John's Not-So-Romantic Request
The "cue boobs" moment between John (Martin Freeman) and Judy (Joanna Page) serves as a reminder of Love Actually's tendency to include explicit content for the sake of titillation. It also adds to the film's uncomfortable and unnecessary focus on sexual content.
Other Unsettling Moments
While not as chilling as the moments mentioned above, other moments from Love Actually, such as Mark's frank confession of love for Juliet's husband, add to a sense of unease. Some viewers might find its overall holiday cheer and romantic nature uncomfortable during the holiday season.
Although Love Actually has its shares of problematic and unsettling elements, its charm and emotional resonance continue to captivate audiences. As we head into the holiday season, perhaps it's worth considering how our favorites have evolved over the years and what moments can make us a little uneasy.
