By Maggie Ma, UNE
Many people have heard the story of “Romeo and Juliet”, but few people know the character, Rosaline. She was the ex-girlfriend of Romeo and also the cousin of Juliet, only mentioned in a side note in Shakespeare’s original story. But in the movie “Rosalyn”, which will be released on Hulu on October 14, we will revisit the “Romeo and Juliet” story though Rosalyn ‘s eyes and found out more than we have known. The movie full of witty dialogues and fresh perspectives is a good way for young girls nowadays to think about what they really want for their lives.
“Romeo and Juliet” became a classic because of good writing and dramatic ending. A young couple from two rival families wanted to run away for love. Juliet came up with an idea to pretend to be dead, but Romeo really fell for it and committed suicide. The tragic ending made people love their love story even more. However, in reality, modern women must have so many questions about it: Why they have to choose to pretend to be dead with drugs that was dangerous and risky in the first place? Do they really love each other by just meeting at the balcony? Will Romeo be able to offer a happy life if he run away with Juliet?
“Rosalyn” re-examines this love from the perspective of modern women. Before fell in love with Juliet, Romeo already had a romantic relationship with another Rosalyn and he used exactly the same tricks on the two girls: Singing love songs and reciting poems in front of their balconies seemed not only work well but also create competition between the two girls. The rebellious Rosalind was jealous of her cousin Juliet stealing away her boyfriend, and started a revenge plan. But in the process, she started to learn about true love from soldier Dario (Dario), began to understand what she truly wants.
In the era when “Romeo and Juliet” took place, women were still “commodities” waiting to be married off. They often had to obey their fathers’ will to be married and could not decide their own lives. But the female characters in this film have a more awakened consciousness. Rosalyn and Juliet both struggle to find true love, yet they both blinded by jealousy and competition until they finally figured out what they want. The female characters in the film often challenge male power, and express their opinions and ideals, which has a great inspiration for young women to think about love and life goals, and is obviously more realistic than the original.
Female director Karen Maine (Karen Maine) and screenwriters Scott Neustadter (Scott Neustadter), Rebecca Serle (Rebecca Serle) gave the film quite witty and funny dialogues, sometimes could be silly but often unpredictable. Kaitlyn Dever, who became well known for her role in 2019 teen comedy “Book smart”, got to doll up with glamours costumes but deep down, she is still the girl next door, very straightforward and relatable. The good thing about the film is every character is growing and trying to find their happiness. We see Rosalyn’s vulnerability, mean and jealousy but also see her learning and figuring out about love. Newcomer Sean Teale starred in the handsome and restrained Dario, very similar to Mr. Darcy in “Pride and Prejudice”, which will surely fascinate many female audiences. Actress Minnie Driver, best known for “Good Will Hunting”, returns to play a hilarious nurse who is the close friend with Rosalynn, delivered a lot of funny dialogues.
At one point, Rosalyn said to Juliet something like: “You are so young, instead of rushing to marriage, should you be exploring your life and enjoy yourself?” That’s a question for every young audience. Although not perfect, “Rosalyn “asked the right questions to challenge the original classic “Romeo and Juliet”, inspiring young women to find out their meaning of lives. “Rosalyn “ will be available to stream on Hulu this Oct 14th.
