*WARNING: Contains spoilers*
Cheating is not romantic, not even in the slightest.
If there is one thing noticeable in Netflix romance movies, it’s that many involve cheating. When a character is in a failing relationship, they tend to find another person to fill-in the sorrow.
Remember, being in a relationship means committing to your significant other–meaning, they are the only one you’re going to be with. If not, don’t prolong the agony and end your relationship right away.
If you’re still clueless on how Netflix romanticizes cheating, here are some films that show how:
Lady Chatterley’s Lover
The story is about Constance Chatterley, wife of an aristocrat who finds herself in an unhappy marriage when her husband becomes crippled. Constance becomes needy for intimacy but cannot do so with her husband’s state. Then she becomes drawn to her husband’s gamekeeper, Oliver and engages in a sexual affair, resulting to falling in love with him.
Arguably, the movie is set in a period where women were expected to be a good wife despite being neglected by their husbands. Which might be the reason why divorce is not an option for Lady Chatterley. So we can blame society on this part for putting those standards.
Lady Chatterly took care of her husband despite getting sick and not receiving any affection in return. Then she meets a man whom she feels comfortable with, who also gives her love and affection. The husband was wrong for neglecting Lady Chatterley but Lady Chatterley was also wrong for starting an affair.
The Last Letter From Your Lover
Jennifer Stirling, a socialite and wife of a successful businessman is trapped in an unhappy marriage. They travel for a business trip and meet Anthony, a journalist. Jennifer and Anthony bond during their trip and grow close. Until the two begin a secret affair.
This film was also set in a period where society puts pressure on women in marriages. We may think that the husband is also at fault for not being a good husband. However, it doesn’t change the fact that Jennifer cheated and was about to leave her husband for another man.
To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You
Lara Jean Covey and Peter Kavinsky are happy in their real relationship. However, Lara Jean still feels insecure about Peter’s ex, Gen and Peter is busy with lacrosse. She then receives a letter from one of her past crushes, John Ambrose. Later, they bond and become close and Lara Jean starts to think of “what ifs.” She becomes conflicted between being with Peter and her growing feelings for John Ambrose.
This might not look like cheating because there was no relationship. But the moment you become attracted or catch feelings for someone else, that’s still cheating. Lara Jean started feeling giddy when she was writing to John Ambrose. She was daydreaming about him while thinking that Peter is still her boyfriend.
Lara Jean’s feelings escalate when she kisses John Ambrose after breaking up with Peter. She realizes that she still loves her boyfriend and goes back to him. Peter forgives her and they get back together. Them brushing off the cheating part is a little questionable and showing it’s excusable when it’s not.
The Kissing Booth 2
Elle and Noah start a long-distance relationship when the latter leaves for college. Elle meets the new student named Marco. With Elle missing Noah, she and Marco become closer and start having feelings for him.
It is normal to miss your partner in long-distance relationships. However, it is not an excuse to find a substitute for your longingness. When Elle and Marco joined the dance competition, she kissed him because she was happy. Noah sees this and gets hurt but he and Elle still continue their relationship. There are other ways of celebrating your victory but kissing someone else is not it.
For these films, it is sad that the women were going through a tough time during their relationship. But it is never an excuse to condone nor romanticize it in movies. Cheating is a choice.
The last two films are YA romcoms that are viewed by younger audiences. Teens will think that it is normal and excusable to find another one in a relationship. This kind of behavior shown in Netflix, a streaming site known to younger audiences, will affect how they view love and relationships without even knowing it’s a red flag.
banner by: @siopaoart
