Anyone But You (2023) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie is set primarily in Sydney, Australia. The story unfolds around a wedding celebration, with significant moments taking place throughout the vibrant cityscape, including iconic locations like the Sydney Opera House.

• sydney australia wedding setting location

Anyone But You is set in the present day, reflecting modern relationships and contemporary social dynamics. The story explores love and connection within today's fast-paced, digitally-connected world.

• present day modern contemporary time period

Bea is a law student portrayed by Sydney Sweeney. She embodies both strength and vulnerability, grappling with her feelings for Ben while navigating the tension between pursuing personal happiness and fulfilling societal expectations.

• bea sydney sweeney law student character

Ben is a Goldman Sachs employee played by Glen Powell. He is characterized as charming and impulsive, with underlying layers of regret and emotional depth regarding his past interactions with Bea.

• ben glen powell goldman sachs character

Halle is Bea's supportive sister, portrayed by Hadley Robinson. She serves as a bridge between Bea and Ben, providing comedic yet sincere perspective on love and relationships while emphasizing the importance of familial bonds.

• halle hadley Robinson sister character role

Pete is Ben's friend who provides comic relief and emotional insights. He encourages Ben to confront his true feelings for Bea, acting as both an ally and voice of reason while highlighting themes of friendship and loyalty.

• pete friend comic relief character

Love and regret is a central theme, as Bea and Ben navigate a tumultuous relationship marked by misunderstandings and emotional turmoil. Their journey shows how past decisions haunt the present, but growth and healing come through honest communication.

• love regret theme relationships growth

Deception is a key element where characters pretend to be in a relationship to manipulate perceptions and elicit jealousy. This creates both comedic and dramatic situations, leading to chaotic experiences that ultimately reveal deeper truths and reconciliation.

• deception pretend relationship theme lies

Self-discovery is crucial as Bea and Ben confront their past choices and personal insecurities. Through pivotal moments, especially at the Opera House, both characters learn to embrace vulnerability and redefine what they truly want from life and love.

• self discovery personal growth vulnerability theme

The film maintains a light and comedic tone despite constant interpersonal conflict and manufactured drama. It never escalates to true distress, blending humor with romantic developments for an overall optimistic and feel-good experience.

• romantic comedy tone light comedic feel good

A wedding in Australia serves as the setting that brings Bea and Ben back together unexpectedly. This forced proximity creates the circumstances for their charade as a couple, driving the romantic comedy's classic misunderstanding and forced proximity structure.

• wedding australia plot device setting