Breaking the Mold: The Rise of Non-Traditional Romances in Hollywood

Over the years, Hollywood has been known for producing endless rom-coms with predictable plots and cookie-cutter romances. Boy meets girl, they fall in love, face some obstacles, and end up living happily ever after. While these movies have captured the hearts of millions, they have also been criticized for their lack of diversity and representation. But in recent years, something groundbreaking has been happening in the world of romance films – the rise of non-traditional romances.

Gone are the days when traditional heterosexual relationships dominated the silver screen. Hollywood is slowly but surely breaking the mold and embracing non-traditional romances, portraying love stories that were previously considered taboo or unconventional.

One of the most notable examples of this change is the groundbreaking film “Call Me By Your Name.” The 2017 film, based on the novel of the same name by André Aciman, tells the story of a passionate love affair between Elio, a 17-year-old boy, and Oliver, a 24-year-old graduate student. Set in Italy in the 1980s, the film beautifully captures the intensity and complexities of first love and the struggle of coming to terms with one’s sexuality.

“Call Me By Your Name” received critical acclaim and was a box office success, proving that there is an audience for non-traditional romances. The film’s success also opened the door for more LGBTQ+ love stories to be told on the big screen.

Another example of breaking the mold in Hollywood is the film “Crazy Rich Asians.” Based on the bestselling novel by Kevin Kwan, the movie features an all-Asian cast and tells the story of Rachel, an Asian-American woman, who falls in love with Nick, a wealthy Singaporean man. The film not only broke barriers by having an all-Asian cast but also challenged the traditional romantic narrative by showcasing a love story between two characters from different cultural backgrounds.

But it’s not just in the realm of gender and race that Hollywood is breaking the mold in romance. Recent years have seen an increase in age-gap romances, with films like “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and “The Age of Adaline” capturing the hearts of audiences. These films challenge the notion that love has an expiration date and prove that age is just a number when it comes to matters of the heart.

One of the most talked-about non-traditional romances in recent years is the film “The Shape of Water.” Directed by visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, the film follows the unconventional love story between a mute janitor and a humanoid sea creature. While it may seem like an odd and unlikely romance, the film beautifully portrays the power of love to transcend boundaries and overcome societal norms.

But it’s not just in mainstream Hollywood films that we see the rise of non-traditional romances. The streaming giant Netflix has also been at the forefront of breaking the mold with its original content. Shows like “Sense8” and “Orange is the New Black” have featured diverse and unconventional love stories, from same-sex relationships to interracial couples.

One of the most recent additions to Netflix’s roster of non-traditional romances is the hit show “Master of None.” Created by and starring Aziz Ansari, the show challenges the traditional romantic narrative by exploring modern dating and relationships through the eyes of a young Indian-American man. The show has been praised for its honest and relatable portrayal of love and relationships in the age of technology.

The rise of non-traditional romances in Hollywood can also be attributed to the growing demand for more diverse and inclusive storytelling. In a society where people are more open-minded and accepting, it only makes sense for the entertainment industry to reflect these changing attitudes.

But it’s not just about representation and diversity; non-traditional romances also bring something new and refreshing to the table. These stories take familiar themes and put a unique spin on them, making them more relatable and relevant to a wider audience. They push the boundaries of what is considered “normal” and show that love knows no boundaries, be it race, gender, age, or even species.

Despite the rise of non-traditional romances, there are still those who criticize and resist the change. Some argue that these portrayals of love are unrealistic and that they undermine traditional values. But the truth is, we live in a diverse world full of different cultures, beliefs, and love stories. It’s time for cinema to reflect that reality and break away from the one-size-fits-all approach to romance.

The rise of non-traditional romances is a positive step towards a more inclusive and diverse Hollywood. It’s a sign that the industry is evolving and that audiences are hungry for more authentic and relatable stories. It’s also a reminder that love knows no boundaries and that there is no one way to define a perfect romance. So the next time you’re in the mood for a love story, why not try something a little unconventional? You never know, you might just fall in love with it.