Misunderstandings are the crux of every romance story. That’s where the drama comes in, because what is a love story without catastrophes falling in every form for the couple?
You can love them all you want, but there are going to be guaranteed calamities they will face after every lovey-dovey scene.
And perhaps the challenges are endearing. A couple overcoming a hardship as a team? How cute is that? That’s what real love is about. It’s the first thing we learn in romance stories, anyway.
But those romance stories were written decades ago. At some point, these stories tried to be more sensual and full of sparks. Forget spending budgets on lighting, flowers, and confetti. The actors were required to create their own spark on screen.
And if it meant they had to wear leather jackets, tight-fitting clothes, and push each other around to look like they actually care for each other, then why not?
And thus, the love stories turned into toxic tales.
Men being rough with women, pushing them against walls, forcing themselves on them. The women? Wearing the skimpiest clothes, teasing and seducing, then pushing people away.
And as if that isn’t enough, it becomes immensely important that they do not under any circumstances have a healthy conversation. No discussing feelings in this supposed rom-com. Only misunderstandings here, please.
The couple may get together and hang out, but they only discuss one or two childhood stories to bond, and then clamp up. Oops, too much information. That’s not sensual at all. Cut it short! In the end, they meet, kiss, and decide that they are perfect for each other.
But…they literally haven’t sat down to talk. Ever. Not even their hobbies or favorite movies.
Do these couples last? Probably not. But it’s not the actor's job to show that they can make their characters have a lasting relationship. Talking and having earnest conversations are dull.
Then we have a sort of new, talked-about show.
The very first scene shows them talking. They have been attracted to each other for years, and of course, they base their relationships on hookups. But somewhere along the lines, they fell for each other. They have brief talks, tiptoeing each other, uncertain about how much they want to let each other in. Their relationship is almost forbidden. They know they cannot bear the weight of societal pressure, but they still get into it, thinking they can keep things casual.
They text. They reach out to each other when one is upset or anxious. There are no dramatic saves. There’s just a level of understanding between them that developed without them being aware of it.
It’s the light touches. The gentle tap on the foot. The curse words they fling at each other, but don’t care because they know their relationship is deepening at an alarming rate.
Soon enough, we see them having a candid conversation. It is brief. One of them barely knows how to speak English, but learns. The partner makes an effort to learn the other language.
No drama yet. Their circumstances restrict their relationship. It’s never them who add to the drama.
They are quietly learning each other’s tastes in food, their moods, and what they really want. Their characters have grown. They have backstories that add quality. When they are together, they are truthful to each other.
Surprisingly, the audience did not find this show boring. If anything, it became the most talked-about show made on a low budget. Overnight fame for the actors, and yes, a greenlight for the second season.
So..what is the point of all this drama?
Some stories thrive on drama. There is definitely an audience for these stories, mostly those who grew up with toxic stories. They grew up thinking isolating someone from their friends and family is them being protective.
Dictating their food choices? That’s just because they care about their health.
Following them and checking their messages? That’s being a good partner.
Since when is putting someone in a cage, and then telling them they are free to fly anywhere they want, classified as a healthy relationship?
We certainly shouldn’t be encouraging stories that normalize toxic behavior.
Drama is fine. Delusion is not.
Amazon Pick: Drama Free Zone Sign
Because you need a simpler way to set boundaries
Comments
Post a Comment