Thomas Brodie-Sangster Reflects on the Lost Charm of Rom-Coms
Thomas Brodie-Sangster, known for his role in Love Actually, suggests that the golden age of romantic comedies has faded, with modern films struggling to recapture the magic of earlier classics.
Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who charmed audiences as a youngster in the festive favourite Love Actually, has shared his thoughts on the current state of romantic comedies. The actor, who played opposite Liam Neeson in the 2003 film, believes that the genre’s heyday is now firmly in the past, belonging to what he describes as a “bygone era”.
In a recent conversation, Brodie-Sangster compared today’s offerings to the classics of the late twentieth century, remarking that the earlier period was marked by a certain simplicity and romance that is now missing.
“It was a kind of simpler time, and maybe that is more romantic. And there were some greats, like Nancy Meyers and Nora Ephron, who did some brilliant stuff in the ‘90s: When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, they’re just brilliant films.”
He suggested that the likes of these films set a standard that modern productions struggle to match.
The Impact of Streaming and Changing Tastes
Brodie-Sangster speculated that the shift in how films are made and consumed has played a significant role in the decline of the genre. He pointed to the dominance of streaming platforms and the rise of blockbuster releases, which have edged out more modestly scaled romantic comedies from the cinema.
“So [rom-coms] are more reserved for the streamers, perhaps, and maybe that’s changed the budgeting and the scale that they can do,”
he observed, noting that the increased volume of content can sometimes come at the expense of quality.
He went on to say that the pressure to keep up with rapidly changing trends has led to a sense of haste in many recent productions. Writers and producers, he suggested, are often forced to respond quickly to the latest cultural moments, which can result in films that feel hurried and less considered.
Quality Versus Quantity in Modern Rom-Coms
According to Brodie-Sangster, the need for streaming services to capture the public’s attention as swiftly as possible has altered the creative process.
“They get greenlit for a certain period of time. Then they just have to send out whatever they’ve got to get some attention. And so often it’s just not very good.”
He implied that this rush to production can undermine the thoughtful storytelling that once defined the genre.
Despite these challenges, Brodie-Sangster remains hopeful that romantic comedies will eventually enjoy a resurgence. He acknowledged that trends in film are cyclical, and that when handled with care, the genre is still capable of producing something truly special.
“Things kind of go around and come around, fashions change and, when they’re done well, a good rom-com can be brilliant. I hope that they will come back around.”