Rosaline, a 2022 Hulu film, offers a fresh take on the classic Romeo and Juliet story. The film ends with a twist, giving the star-crossed lovers a happy ending and Rosaline a new love.
Rosaline, directed by Karen Maine, reimagines the Shakespearean tragedy with humor and modern sensibilities. The film stars Kaitlyn Dever as Rosaline, Romeo’s ex-lover, and explores her journey as she navigates love and heartbreak.
Plot Summary
Rosaline, a young noblewoman and niece of Lord Capulet, secretly dates Romeo Montague, a member of the rival Montague family. Their secret romance sets the stage for the drama. At a Capulet ball, Romeo meets Rosaline’s cousin, Juliet, and quickly falls in love with her, forgetting Rosaline. This sparks the famous love story that Shakespeare wrote about.
Heartbroken, Rosaline tries to win back Romeo. She takes Juliet to a bar, convinces her that Romeo is a player, steals love letters, and even arranges for her gay cousin Paris to marry Juliet. Despite her efforts, Romeo and Juliet’s love grows stronger.
The Climax and Resolution
The climax happens when Juliet decides to fake her death with a potion. Rosaline and her new ally, Dario, think this plan is foolish. They try to stop any tragic outcomes, but Juliet has already taken the potion. Dario rushes to inform Romeo about Juliet’s plan to prevent him from doing anything drastic.
In a race against time, Rosaline and Dario reach the church where Romeo is about to find Juliet seemingly dead. They convince Romeo to play dead too, making the Montagues and Capulets believe their children have committed double suicide. This shocking event ends the feud between the two families.
The Happy Ending
Unlike Shakespeare’s original tragedy, Rosaline imagines a happy ending for Romeo and Juliet. They sail off together to Cyprus, free from their families’ feud. The film humorously notes that apart from Shakespearean poetry and grand romantic gestures, they don’t have much to talk about, highlighting the superficiality of their relationship.
Back in Verona, Rosaline and Dario share their first kiss. They know their roles in the story will likely be forgotten. This ending presents closure for Rosaline and reaffirms her growth and newfound understanding of love.
Character Development
Rosaline’s journey is central to the film. Initially, she is a woman scorned. She evolves into someone who understands that love is not always about grand gestures. Her interactions with Dario help her realize she deserves a partner who values her for who she is.
Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet’s relationship is depicted with irony. Their love is intense and passionate, but the film critiques the impulsiveness and superficiality of their romance. Their happy ending serves as a commentary on the unrealistic expectations often associated with love stories.
Dario
Dario, Rosaline’s new love interest, is sensible and supportive. His presence helps Rosaline see beyond her infatuation with Romeo. She recognizes the value of a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding.
Thematic Elements
Rosaline blends contemporary dialogue and music with Renaissance costumes and settings. This unique style makes the film accessible to modern audiences and addresses contemporary issues like gender roles and the nature of love.
Feminist Perspective
The film offers a feminist reimagining of the classic tale. Rosaline gains a voice and agency that she lacks in Shakespeare’s original work. Her journey from a jilted lover to a self-assured woman who finds true love on her own terms is refreshing.
Critique of Romantic Ideals
By highlighting the superficiality of Romeo and Juliet’s relationship and contrasting it with the more grounded romance between Rosaline and Dario, the film critiques the idealization of love often found in classic literature. It suggests that true love is about understanding, respect, and mutual growth.
Conclusion
Rosaline reimagines the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet by offering a fresh perspective through the eyes of Romeo’s ex-lover. The film’s ending, with Romeo and Juliet sailing off to a new life and Rosaline finding love with Dario, presents a satisfying and humorous conclusion. The film’s witty dialogue, modern sensibilities, and feminist perspective make it a charming retelling of a timeless story.
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