Modern Rom-Coms Should Be More Like This Charming 18th-Century Book Adaptation

It’s tempting to immediately judge Young Werther
by its first 10-15 minutes, but if you hold out a little longer, the true movie will reveal itself. Based on the 1774 novel The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang Goethe, the rougher edges of the book are sanded down and given a 21st-century sheen through the adaptation written and directed by José Lourenço. Though it was no easy task, Lourenço takes a rather dark and nihilistic story from Goethe and makes it plucky, bright, and an encouraging addition to the rom-com genre.

Douglas Booth and Alison Pill lead a stacked cast featuring Suits‘ Patrick J. Adams, Amrit Kaur of The Sex Lives of College Girls, and Iris Apatow in one of her more recent forays into adult roles. Though in part due to the structure and format of the novel, as it’s told through Werther’s letters, the supporting characters don’t have much depth. Apatow seems to be giving a weak impression of her older sister’s character in Euphoria, and Kaur is underused, but there’s no question that Werther (Booth), Charlotte (Pill), and Albert (Adams) are the players who matter.

Charming Dialogue & Romantic Influence Elevates Young Werther

Though It Gets Off To A Rocky Start, Young Werther Redeems Itself By The End

Young Werther is an interesting test to see how these older stories can be brought to life in modern times. It’s clear that Lourenço has a deep love for the rom-com genre and sees the contemporary additions to it have been lacking in style, substance, and a unique perspective. The most difficult part of the story to get through is the setup, as it’s not easy to jump into Werther’s world, since Lourenço utilizes elements of the old-fashioned dialogue and whimsical outlook that define the character. However, once the narrative gets going, it’s a sweet escapist fantasy.

Unfortunately, Young Werther falls victim to the classic contemporary pitfall of utilizing a color grade that’s the wrong kind of vivid and a depth of field so shallow it’s distracting. The movie makes some attempts at stylistic intrigue, and in some ways, it succeeds. Aesthetically and linguistically, Young Werther pays tribute to its predecessors, with the work of Merchant Ivory hanging heavy over its head. It’s difficult not to wish for the pastoral flourishes and grand houses of these period pieces, but the film finds some 18th-century magic in its city setting.

Young Werther, for its upper-class, buttoned-up elements, understands that one of the best parts of romance novels from centuries past is their inherent longing. While we’re not encouraged to see Werther as a particularly nuanced or complex person, his capacity for love and the depth of his pining know no bounds. There is a genuinely steamy scene between Booth and Pill when they deny their feelings for each other. It involves a dress zipper, but I won’t say more than that. The balance between the chaste and tension-filled moments effectively captures our attention.

If there’s one thing worth remembering about Young Werther, it’s Allison Pill. She takes a role that’s only a little better than the manic pixie dream girls of rom-coms past and makes it into something notable. Booth anchors the piece and isn’t afraid to make a fool out of himself, proving equally capable of being a romantic lead and comedic actor. However, Pill has the harder job of being an object of affection while pushing hard to be a nuanced character with agency. Though not perfect, Young Werther almost strikes this balance.

Young Werther Is A Refreshing Step Forward For The Modern Rom-Com

Young Werther Is A Great Example Of How The Genre Can Move Forward

The chemistry between Booth and Pill is a large part of what makes Young Werther work, as it seems like the central characters are having fun together. For those familiar with Goethe’s work, it’s important not to go into Young Werther thinking the story will align with the book. While the ending pays tribute to the spirit of Goethe’s bleak conclusion, Young Werther wouldn’t have benefited from this change in tone. Approaching the movie with the understanding that it’s concerned with the spirit of the book is beneficial. The ending might not be dark, but it is subversive.

Young Werther might fly under the radar with its limited release and lack of buzz, but it could also be the hidden gem that rom-com fans uncover this year. Looking to the future, projects like this are great inspirations for what romantic comedies can be. There’s no question that adaptations of classic literature have always been popular, with Jane Austen’s work having been adapted many times over. However, as rom-coms change, looking to exciting works, new and old, will push the genre forward.

Young Werther will be available in theaters, and to stream on-demand and digital on December 13. The film is 101 minutes long and rated R for some language/sexual references.

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6/10

Young Werther

Pros

• The dialogue is reminiscent of the original text
• There?s genuine chemistry between the leads
• It?s a fun fantasy to get lost in

Cons

• Some of the visual choices are distracting
• The characters don?t have much depth