Chloë Grace Moretz Stars in a Unique Love Triangle in ‘Love Language’ — Insights from SXSW
The mid-budget romantic comedy genre is experiencing a revival, showcased by the world premiere of Love Language at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival on Monday. Directed by Joey Power, the film stars Chloë Grace Moretz as Lou, a writer navigating a turbulent love triangle.
In Love Language, Lou, recently heartbroken, becomes entangled with her best friend’s cousin Dash (Anthony Ramos) and her former college crush Warren (Manny Jacinto). She also finds herself tasked with helping Warren’s fiancée, Olivia (Isabel May), write her wedding vows.
Complicating Lou’s journey is the involvement of her friend Tilda (Billie Lourd), who, after her own engagement ends, asks Lou to pen her vows—an irony not lost on Lou, as she repurposes her own. As Lou juggles her day job managing a chip company’s social media and her underdeveloped young adult novel, she starts receiving requests to craft vows for brides. This twist on the romantic comedy trope of cynics profiting from love offers a fresh take on the genre, reminiscent of films like Material Girls, The Wedding Planner, and 27 Dresses.
Her relationship with Warren takes a turn as Lou, while writing their vows, reconnects with him under the pretense of learning their love story. This once-clear boundary soon blurs, leading Lou to confront her feelings in the process of rekindling an old friendship.
The film resonates with audiences, especially millennials, as Lou grapples with jealousy upon seeing an old flame poised to marry. Moretz, transitioning from child star to leading lady, effectively embodies Lou’s mixture of selfishness and vulnerability as she navigates the complexities of love and friendship.
Both leading men deliver standout performances. Ramos’ Dash, though designed as a typical "bad boy," shines with sincerity, while Jacinto captures the emotional turmoil of his character as he nears his wedding day.
Supporting characters like Tilda and Gus (Lukas Gage) provide not only comedic relief but depth, eschewing the usual clichés often seen in romantic comedies. May’s portrayal of the neurotic bride-to-be balances humor and drama, eliciting sympathy even amidst her cold demeanor.
Love Language successfully blends heart and humor, bolstered by a strong ensemble cast and set against a picturesque Chicago backdrop, marking a promising return to the classic rom-com style.
Title: Love Language
Festival: SXSW (Narrative Spotlight)
Director-screenwriter: Joey Power
Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Anthony Ramos, Manny Jacinto, Isabel May, Lukas Gage, Billie Lourd, Chloe Fineman, Zach Zucker, Morgan Jay, Bobbi Althoff, Marchánt Davis, Dan Perrault
Sales agent: CAA
Running time: 1 hr 44 mins
