Wo die Lüge hinfällt (Anyone But You)
U.S.A./Australia 2023

Opening 18 Jan 2024

Directed by: Will Gluck
Writing credits: Ilana Wolpert, Will Gluck
Principal actors: Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell, Mia Artemis, Nat Buchanan, Josh Bonello

A light-hearted romantic comedy captures Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben’s (Glen Powell) roller coaster ride at a second chance at romance. Stepping out of his comfort zone, Ben chooses to help a damsel in distress, Bea, who just wants to use the toilet when an obstinate cashier refuses to give her the key. At first glance, it appears that Bea and Ben have a chance of being a match made in heaven. But after a lovely first date ends on a sour note due to a misunderstanding, this potential romance comes to a screeching halt. A second chance of love arises when Bea’s sister decides to marry her lesbian partner in Australia and Ben, too, is on the guest list.

Watching the German synchronized version of director Will Gluck’s Anyone But You reminded me how synchronization has its flaws. Dialects disappear and humor doesn’t always translate well. It could be this film just isn’t that funny even in its original language, but either way, the audience just was not laughing. I didn’t have the chance to see it in English, and the German version was definitely disappointing. The story itself wasn’t very creative and if anything, stereotypical. I kept waiting for some crazy thing to happen. But even when they played around with the reenactment of the famous Titanic scene, I had to yawn. Personally, I would recommend saving money and seeing one of the many other films that are coming up this year. (Shelly Schoeneshoefer)