The Cringe Canon Rises: Is This the Rom-Com’s Unlikely Successor?

For years, Hollywood has whispered (and sometimes shouted) about the demise of the romantic comedy. A once-dominant genre, responsible for iconic films and countless quotable moments, has supposedly withered into a shadow of its former self. We remember the days of star-studded casts, clever writing, and genuine chemistry that defined classics like "You’ve Got Mail" and "My Best Friend’s Wedding." But recent attempts often feel like pale imitations, resorting to overly sweet dialogue or relying heavily on sex scenes in place of meaningful plot development.

However, amidst this perceived decline, a surprising new micro-genre has emerged: the "cringe canon." This isn’t about sophisticated storytelling or groundbreaking cinema. Instead, it acknowledges that perhaps we can no longer expect the witty banter of "When Harry Met Sally" or the heartfelt monologues of "Jerry Maguire". But, it still delivers high production values, a cast of attractive actors, and the comforting familiarity of well-worn tropes. In essence, the cringe canon offers a guilty pleasure, a cinematic comfort food that knows exactly what it is and embraces its imperfections.

A prime example of this emerging trend is "Picture This," a new film available on Amazon Prime, starring Simone Ashley and Hero Fiennes Tiffin. Ashley, known for her role in "Bridgerton," plays Pia, a woman nearing 30 who is facing increasing pressure from her family to find a partner. With her younger sister’s wedding fast approaching, a spiritual advisor (hired by her well-meaning but overbearing mother) predicts that Pia will meet her soulmate within her next five dates.

As Pia embarks on this quest to appease her family and, perhaps more importantly, save her struggling art studio, she unexpectedly reconnects with her ex-boyfriend, Charlie (Fiennes Tiffin), who happens to be the best man at the wedding. What follows is an endearing, if somewhat predictable, blend of classic romantic comedy tropes. Enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and the rekindling of old flames all feature heavily in the narrative. Yet, the film manages to connect with the cringe canon audience by delivering exactly what they expect and, to some extent, want.

Ashley shines as Pia, portraying her as a strong-willed and independent woman who initially resists the pressure to settle down. Her performance lends a certain authenticity to the character, making her relatable even in the midst of the film’s more outlandish moments. Fiennes Tiffin, familiar with the world of romance, plays Charlie with a quiet charm, appearing intermittently to remind Pia (and the audience) of their past connection and the potential for a future together.

While "Picture This" might not win any awards for its intricate plot or subtle character development, its charm lies in its unapologetic embrace of its own limitations. The plot holes are undeniably present, but they hardly matter in the grand scheme of things. The film is simply enjoyable, offering a lighthearted escape from reality. This is, perhaps, the greatest strength of the cringe canon – it avoids deep analysis and encourages viewers to simply enjoy the ride.

Beneath the surface of the predictable plot, there are subtle hints of female empowerment and a commentary on the societal pressures placed on women to find a partner by a certain age. However, these themes are not the central focus of the film. Primarily, "Picture This" is a lighthearted romantic romp, filled with familiar tropes and feel-good moments.

The film includes everything a cringe canon devotee could ask for: long-lost love, a choreographed dance scene at the end, and an epilogue that guarantees a happily ever after. The genre consistently delivers a satisfying conclusion, providing viewers with the reassurance that everything will ultimately work out.

Other films like Christina Milian’s "Falling Inn Love" and Jacob Elordi’s "The Kissing Booth" share a similar spirit. However, "Picture This" has a unique quality. There’s a level of boldness that some of its counterparts lack, and Ashley brings an authentic presence to the lead role, giving her character a relatable edge rather than falling into the "she’s not like the other girls" trope.

Whether the romantic comedy is truly dead remains to be seen. But in the meantime, the cringe canon provides a steady stream of lighthearted entertainment, offering a guilt-free escape into the world of predictable plots, attractive actors, and guaranteed happy endings.