Romantic comedies have had quite the bad rap, save for a few films, such as Destination Wedding, released in 2018, that came along to pleasantly surprise audiences with something a little different. The quirky romantic comedy-drama pairs Winona Ryder with Keanu Reeves, telling far from a usual love story. Prime Video has hidden a gem in plain view deserving of a second look.
Directed by Victor Levin, Destination Wedding takes place in beautiful wine country in California. The story follows Frank and Lindsey, played by Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder, respectively—two cynics of high self-esteem trapped in the same destination wedding. Frank is a brother of the groom; Lindsey is an ex-fiancée of the groom, and that makes for awkward positioning at the very least. If you liked what they did recently—Ryder’s comeback in Stranger Things or Reeves’ fuming stoicism in John Wick—the chemistry between the two becomes compelling in an odd way. The finely celebrated duo plays the terribly unfortunate lovers who strangely find a perverse comfort in one another.
What is actually unique about Destination Wedding is that it is basically a two-person show. The only characters onscreen for the duration of the film are Frank and Lindsey. This choice might have proved risky, but it works so well, heightening their narcissism and the notion that no one else in the world matters to them. The dialogue is sharp and amusing, loaded with vexed banters and some philosophizing about life and love. If you like smart, cynical humor, this film is a feast.
The film is straightforward visually: long takes, minimal cuts, focus on the characters and their conversations. It’s almost like a stage play, with the dialogues and performances given the prominence they need.
Destination Wedding is far from a perfect film. Some of the humor dulls in the latter half, as the jibes between Frank and Lindsey lose their acerbic sharpness when they become somewhat affectionate. Parts of their character backgrounds-their professions-sit slightly on the underdeveloped side, with gags elaborating on those details largely landing flat.
That said, if you’re looking for a romantic comedy that breaks away from the usual clichés, Destination Wedding is worth your time. It’s not the warm, fluffy romcom you might expect, but it’s a clever, cynical take on love that’s both refreshing and entertaining. With its biting dialogue and unconventional approach, it’s one of Prime Video’s underrated gems, waiting to be discovered by those who appreciate a more sarcastic spin on romance.