I recently watched "I Love You...Don't Touch Me!" and was surprised to find that I thoroughly enjoyed it, despite the initial negative reviews from its release. More recent reviews have been kinder, and I'm glad to count myself among the fans. As a romance connoisseur, I'm shocked I hadn't heard of it before.
One of the things that charmed me was the film's nostalgic 90s aesthetic, complete with light makeup, dark lipstick, stockings, and maxi dresses paired with black shoes. I also appreciated the humor in the character's assumption that, at 25, she should be in a serious relationship - a sentiment that would likely be pushed back to 35 in a modern film. The last movie I watched with this theme, Don't Touch if You Ain't Prayed, the heroine was 40.
Initially, I was worried that the movie would try too hard to be funny, especially with the voiceover introduction. However, it turned out to be a more serious and thoughtful exploration of relationships than I expected. While some reviewers have dismissed it as a "film school project," I think it's a delightful example of a quirky independent romantic film - and I LOVE those!
The heroine, Katy, is relatable and likable, and I agree with the intellectual premise that she needs to have experiences outside of her comfort zone (and her long-standing friendship with Ben) to truly settle down with him in the end. Katy has undeniable chemistry with both Ben and the older man she eventually dates, Richard. Her relationships with her various friends, including her uptight engaged friend, her overly sexualized coworker, and her loud neighbor, add depth to the story.
Also, what I found interesting is that the film didn't tie Katy's career struggles to her romantic journey. Instead, it left her job situation open-ended, focusing on her emotional growth and the development of her relationships. In the end, Katy chooses the man whom she has loved forever, and it's a satisfying conclusion to her journey. Tho there was a reveal regarding her perfect best friend's marriage that happened toward the end and was not expounded upon.
Overall, I'm glad I discovered this hidden gem, and I think fans of romantic comedies will appreciate its unique charm.
