It’s been almost three years since the last ROBERT PATTINSON movie came out. During that time the ‘Twilight’ star has kept busy filming other flicks, appearing at various award ceremonies, and of course, promoting his latest venture ‘BFF’ with his on screen-brother FKA Twigs. Now that the movie has premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, let’s take a look back at the most memorable moments from a memorable film.
A Familiar Face
The first thing that will likely pop up in your head when you see ‘BFF’ is the film’s opening scene. Not only does it feature some of the biggest names in contemporary culture—including the most recent Oscar-winner for Best Actress, Sally Hawkins—but it also pays homage to one of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history: the very first glimpse of the Godfather, played by Marlon Brando. Brando’s face appears on a movie poster, looming large over a cityscape in the background as he confronts Robert Pattinson’s character, Rupert Standish. The sequence is a wonderful introduction to ‘BFF’, an equal parts funny, touching, and deeply romantic love letter to and from the golden age of Hollywood. It’s also worth noting that the production team managed to shoot the sequence without using any green screen, which is a feat in and of itself.
Romantic Comedies Are Back!
Another thing that will stick out to even the most casual of moviegoers is the sheer volume of romantic comedy that ‘BFF’ contains. From the opening scene, which is preceded by a whimsical introduction that gently mocks romantic comedies that came before it, to the final, happy resolution of the film, it’s filled with light-hearted gestures and wisecracks. The best romantic comedies typically feature some of the most famous faces in cinema history as well as some of the most gorgeous backdrops and costumes. ‘BFF’ manages to capture all of that and throws it in a blender, creating one of the most gorgeous rom-coms of all time. It also features a performance from Nicole Kidman that, according to Entertainment Weekly, nearly made her career. That’s quite an indictment, huh?
Pattinson Is Back!
Yes, ‘BFF’s’ most interesting and significant innovation is the fact that it marks the comeback of the actor. After a very public split from his on-screen wife Alicia Vikander, Robert Pattinson was reportedly spotted “happily dating” FKA Twigs. According to UK tabloids, they were seen dining at French restaurant Le Café de Paris, holding hands and looking affectionate towards each other. Fans eagerly awaited the actor’s return to the big and small screens in 2016, and he didn’t disappoint. His two films, ‘The Lost City of Z’ and ‘The Lighthouse’ were both critical and commercial successes, earning him numerous accolades including an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. While some may still be wondering when Pattinson will grace the big screen with a collaboration with Twigs (answer: never), his fans can at least rejoice in his ability to still entertain.
The Cast Is Just As Memorable As The Film Is
The ‘BFF’ cast is head and shoulders above the rest of the rom-com world. Aside from Pattinson and Kidman, the list of A-listers who appear in the film includes Alicia Vikander, Luke Evans, and Timothee Chalamet. That’s a pretty impressive collection of names, and they all contribute to one of the most memorable films of the year. The film’s writing and directing team, Marc Meyers and Luke Evans, deserve special mention for crafting one of the most original cinematic experiences of all time. It’s not often that you get to see such a large ensemble of talented actors and actresses engaged in witty banter and playful aggression, all while costuming in vintage Hollywood attire. It would be an understatement to say that the cast is memorable, they are legendary. Watching these actors prance around in tony outfits and deliver on-point zingers is pure, unadulterated entertainment.
That Ending
The line between a good comedy and a great comedy is thin, but there’s a reason why the romcom genre has maintained such a strong presence in Hollywood—great comedies are hard to come by. When they do arrive, they tend to stick around for a long time. It’s fair to say that ‘BFF’ is one of the best comedies of the year, despite its slight flaws. The ending is particularly moving, considering what we’ve witnessed throughout the film. Rupert ends up back in London, riding the waves of fame and fortune, while the film’s central couple, Beth and Mike (Kidman and Evans), remain best friends. It’s a sweet, if slightly confusing, ending that will nonetheless make you laugh and cry, all in one. Is it great? Yes. Is it perfect? Not quite. Is it worth seeing? Most definitely!
It’s been a long time since we’ve had a new ROBERT PATTINSON film, but it would be a shame to let all this talent go to waste. What are your thoughts on ‘BFF’? Was it everything you expected and more? Let us know in the comments below!