, centers a 27-year-old New Yorker navigating the big city in search of belonging. And this tale, which has become something of a cult classic, is certainly a romance—of sorts. But’s love interest deviates from the expected. Instead of a heterosexual affair, the film paints an earnest portrait of one of the important romances a woman can have: the love for her best friend.recently marked its 10th anniversary—and the film’s unique reckoning with fiercely platonic love remains a rarity in cinema.
Sophie has been France’s other half since college. They’re two sides of the same coin and joined at the hip. The film opens with a montage of them as if this were the conclusion to a happily-ever-after rom-com: they play fight in a park, share a cigarette, read aloud while the other knits, and strings soar when they run into each other’s arms after a work day apart.
Uprooting herself, Frances’s new roommates brandish her “undateable.” Previously, her attention was occupied by Sophie, who fulfilled the role of a partner. Now, the adjective is like a scar, one that she forgets is there until she looks down and is met with a pang of loss. She endeavors to not show her heart’s been ripped out of her chest and stamped on, but with half the furniture gone and a bed that hasn’t molded to her shape, Frances’s smile doesn’t quite meet her eyes.
For Frances and Sophie, the title of “best friend” doesn’t seem grand enough and “platonic love” feels like it pales in comparison to the intensity of their feelings for each other. The affection between women portrayed inis a beautiful, candidly observed portrait that presents feminine love to be as precious as romantic love. Because who’s to say it isn’t as fulfilling or valuable?