Platonic Relationships in Film & Television

Let’s talk about love! 

I know, I know. Another Valentine’s Day has just passed behind us, and I’m sure plenty of people are tired of hearing about how “love is in the air.” However, I’m not here to talk about romantic love. I’m here to talk about platonic love. 

Platonic relationships are deep, meaningful friendships devoid of any romantic or sexual feelings. These relationships typically consist of people with whom you share a sense of trust, care, appreciation, and love, without the additional layer of romance. 

One of my all-time favorite songs is “True Blue” by Boygenius, a song that I believe perfectly encapsulates the notion of platonic relationships in three short lyrics:

“And it feels good to be known so well

I can’t hide from you like I hide from myself

I remember who I am when I’m with you”

For this article, I’ve decided to make a list of 3 relationships in TV shows or movies that reflect these beautiful lyrics. So, without further ado, let’s talk about (platonic) love! 

1. gilmore girls : Lorelei & Sookie

When thinking about platonic relationships in the media, many people go straight to teenagers or childhood best friends; however, many friendships between older characters are just as genuine and wonderful to watch. Lorelei and Sookie—from one of my all-time favorite television shows Gilmore Girls—are a quintessential example of this. 

While Gilmore Girls has a number of heartwarming, yet complex, relationships, Lorelei and Sookie’s dynamic stands out to me because of their ability to stick by each other through so many ups and downs. They are surprisingly very different from each other—specifically in terms of their lifestyles and relationships with others—but still manage to remain best friends throughout each other’s highs and lows because of their steadfast love for each other and their shared dreams and values. Although their relationship is far from perfect, their ability to communicate, learn from their mistakes, and grow even closer demonstrates the strength of their platonic bond. 

2. The Vampire diaries : Lexi & Stefan and Bonnie & Damon

As a teen drama filled with romantic and sexual relationships, The Vampire Diaries, like most teen shows, often seems to prioritize its romantic relationships, rather than some of its truly heartfelt friendships that develop in the midst of a chaotic, mystical world. On top of that, platonic relationships between male and female characters are displayed much less frequently than romantic relationships in the media. Despite this, the relationships between Lexi & Stefan and Bonnie & Damon defy these expectations, becoming some of the most beloved friendships in the show. 

For Stefan and Lexi, their friendship seems to be a tale as old as time (literally, because they are vampires). If there is one way to describe Lexi and Stefan’s dynamic, it is that they always have each other’s back. They would quite literally do anything for one another, and no matter how long they are apart, they always find their way back to each other.  

Damon and Bonnie, on the other hand, are the quintessential enemies-to-friends dynamic: they begin the show with an intense hate for one another, but after being forced to rely on each other while trapped alone in a 1994 Prison world, they truly get to know one another and form an unbreakable bond. They finally grow to trust one another, and ultimately make up two halves of one iconic platonic duo. 

3. The Lord of the Rings : Sam & Frodo

The third platonic relationship I would like to offer is a type of relationship that, to me, seems to be severely lacking representation in film and TV. Sure, we have many basic representations of male friendship in the media, but do we have many examples of vulnerable, emotional, healthy platonic friendships between men like we do women? This is where I believe the friendship between Sam and Frodo, from the fantasy film series The Lord of the Rings, truly shines. 

Not only do Sam and Frodo truly ground each other throughout their epic journey across Middle Earth, but they also battle stereotypical male friendships in the media, ones that either lack vulnerability or use toxic masculinity to distract from the love they feel for one another. By contrast, Sam and Frodo are much too concerned with keeping each other alive to worry about being seen as “too emotional”—staying alive is an emotional pursuit! Sam is willing to do anything to help Frodo on his quest, exemplified by one of Sam’s most heartfelt lines to Frodo when he is struggling to go on while bearing the ring of power: 

“I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you.” 

There are many more examples of platonic soulmates in the media (like Jo and Laurie from Little Women), but I believe the 3 discussed in this article help underscore the myriad ways that platonic love can be depicted on screen. I hope you have enjoyed reading about (platonic) love, and I recommend listening to “True Blue” by Boygenius, the song that inspired this whole article. 

Thanks for reading! 

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• entertainment
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