What’s Love Got to Do with It? (2022)

After an uneven, stilted start, WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT settles into an enjoyable rom-com. It follows the story of two childhood friends, now in their thirties, who must decide whether to follow their heads or their hearts when one of them decides to go through with an arranged marriage back home in Pakistan.

The movie has a light-hearted feel and emphasises finding your own identity and truth rather than conforming to external expectations. The characters are well-fleshed out and likable enough to make us cheer them on for their happy ending. The cast delivers a charming and honest performance, while the soundtrack further adds to the movie’s light-hearted tone.

Emma Thompson (who plays Cath) shines in her role and provides a strong emotional core to the movie. Lily James (who plays Zoe) also gives us a strong performance and her chemistry with Thompson is palpable. The supporting characters add to the movie’s charm, but they don’t detract from the main characters’ story.

There are three things about WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT that I particularly liked. First, the glimpses into Pakistani culture, which is fascinating and enlightening. Second, the movie doesn’t shy away from the tough questions that come with arranged marriage. It confronts them head-on so that we can better understand why such decisions are taken. Lastly, there’s an element of feminism in the movie and it highlights how women don’t have to live by the rules set for them by society. The feminist elements are, in part, beautifully presented as revisions of fairy tales as Zoe tells stories to the children she sometimes babysits.

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT is a sweet rom-com with lots of heart and soul. It offers an interesting take on arranged marriage, Pakistani culture, and the choices we make when our heads and hearts are at odds with each other. The movie is full of charm, wit and positive messages that will certainly leave you feeling uplifted.

(In cinemas in Australia – check your movie guide for your local show times.)