When you’re in a mood for a socially conscious romcom: Something New
Something New is one of my all-time favorite romcoms because it gives a racially conscious twist to an age-old trope: opposites attract. In this case, the opposites are Kenya, a perfectionist CPA, and Brian, a laidback landscaper. Kenya and Brian initially meet when a mutual friend sets them up, but when Kenya sees Brian is white (she is black), she’s initially turned off. But then she decides to hire him to landscape her yard, and a switch flips. Seeing Brian all sweaty and shirtless in her home makes Kenya realize there’s an undeniable attraction between them, which leads to hooking up, then dating, then a relationship. One of the best parts about this movie is how it addresses interracial relationships, specifically disapproving family and friends. It also showcases the discrepancies between Kenya’s life experiences and Brian’s due to their different racial backgrounds, and the conflicts they have as a result. It’s a romcom with substance that also delivers a joyful and satisfying HEA.