Film Review: The Republic of Love

The Republic of Love is a romantic comedy based on the novel by Carol Sheilds. I haven’t read the book, so I can’t actually tell you if I think it is better than the movie. The movie takes a look at the complexities of modern love through its two main characters, Tom, a 40 year old late night radio talk show host who had been married and divorced three times, and Fay, a never-married academic romantic idealist. They are each others opposites in terms of ideas about relationships. Tom falls in love quickly but just considers himself unlucky, while Fay has expectations that may never be met.

At the beginning of the film the two have not yet met, living parallel lives in the same city, sharing mutual acquaintances.The humor is situational, and thoughtful. Don’t expect many laugh out loud moments, but I did appreciate the subtle approach to comedy in this film.

Tom and Fay meet through Fay’s brother and it is love at first sight. This happens pretty early in the movie, so boy meets girl is hardly the point of the film. The core issue of the movie is whether or not love can work and last between two different people. The movie follows the couple’s romance. They get engaged, but when Fay’s parents seemingly infallible marriage comes apart, her faith in her own relationship flags. Tom must go to incredible lengths to prove that he is worth marrying, that they are perfect for each other, and that love can end with happily ever after.

The pacing of the movie feels natural, with likable characters and good development. If you like romantic comedies and feeling hopeful about the future of romance, this movie may be for you.