So you may remember the Prime Minister’s dancing in 10 Downing Street, Karen’s crying to the beautiful Joni Mitchell or, unfortunately, you probably remember Mark’s creepy confession of love to his best mate’s wife. However, the best plotline in Love Actually has got to go to the body doubles delivered by the great Martin Freeman and Joanna Page.
For those who may have forgotten, like how my mum did when she suggested I watch Love Actually aged 8 because it was a “fun family film”, this story is about Jack and Judy who meet playing body doubles for a nude scene in a film. Soon enough we watch them go out for a “Christmas drink” and have a little kiss at Judy’s doorstep. A simple story, which is exactly its appeal.
Firstly, of all the new successful romantic relationships in the film, these two talk the most. Seriously, think about it. David and Natalie only exchange a couple of awkward words after their introduction, Jamie and Aurelia don’t even speak the same language. Meanwhile Jack and Judy are chatting about the poor traffic on their way into work and the new Prime Minister. Jack even makes a point of saying “It’s lovely to find someone I can actually chat to”.
And let’s not forget that beautifully awkward kiss outside Judy’s door. The goodnight exchanges, and the long pause because he wants to kiss her, but should he? Then kiss happens to the lovely introduction of Otis Redding’s “White Christmas” (I actually get so emotional when I hear it). The highlight of this scene is Jack’s brilliant leap of celebration as soon as Judy shuts the door behind her. Let’s be honest, this is something we have all done when a kiss happens. Just some kind of fangirl dorkiness explodes out.
What I love about this story is that everything about this relationship, besides their unique place of work, is very real and very normal. From finding someone they can chat with for hours to the fist bump to yourself when that little kiss finally happens. It really captures the awkwardness that comes with fancying someone. Not only is it showing the realities of romantic love, but it does not tear your heart out while doing so. Yes, I am referring to poor Sarah, who did not get to be with Karl in the end, and the suffering Karen experienced after husband Harry bought another a woman a new necklace.
All the plotlines in Love Actually have their brilliances, but Jack and Judy’s story is most well delivered. It gives a pretty relatable portrayal of romantic love while keeping a soppy smile on your face.