Twisted Love Tales: When Movie Romances Take a Dark Turn

Love narratives have been portrayed through movies since their inception, and not every tale adheres to traditional story structures. In fact, some films can be quite peculiar and unconventional, veering off course at times. Yet, they often conclude on a positive note despite these unexpected detours. For instance, The Shape of Water presents a woman falling in love with an aquatic being, a relationship that nearly proves fatal before culminating in their joyous escape to happiness.

In a simpler, more conversational style:

“Wild at Heart,” directed by David Lynch, stands out as one of his more straightforward “romantic” films – though it’s still a bit puzzling at times. Despite the confusion, the characters ultimately find their way to a happy ending. However, in other Lynch movies and the characters they portray, things didn’t always end so well. Be warned: there are spoilers ahead.

7. Craig/Lotte/Maxine (Being John Malkovich)

A Threeway Tie Inside Another Man

“Being John Malkovich” stands out as one of the most bizarre films ever made, with an unusual fourth-wall breakage. Spike Jonze’s movies are usually peculiar, but this one takes the cake. The story revolves around a character named Craig, who lands a new job at a miniscule office. In this small space, he discovers a door that leads into John Malkovich’s head, portrayed by none other than the actor himself.

In simpler terms, Initially, John’s body can be occupied by another person (Craig), but he doesn’t control him directly. Later, Craig shares this secret with his coworker Maxine, who uses it to her advantage in a deceptive manner with Craig’s wife Lotte. As a result, both Maxine and Lotte develop feelings for each other, causing distress for Craig, who is also smitten by Maxine. This complex love triangle unfolds with Craig eventually becoming trapped inside Maxine’s daughter’s mind to witness the entire scenario play out from within.

6. Harold and Maude (Harold and Maude)

Love Knows No Age

The film “Harold and Maude” presents an unconventional romance involving numerous unexpected aspects. Initially, Harold attempts multiple suicide attempts throughout the movie, ranging from setting himself on fire to hanging himself, all in a bid to shock his mother. However, these staged attempts at self-harm eventually lead him to develop genuine feelings for Maude, an older woman nearly three times his age.

Together, they embark on numerous journeys, ultimately deciding to tie the knot. Both appear truly content. Regrettably, Maude passes away, leaving Harold on his own once more.

5. Lisa and The Creature (Lisa Frankenstein)

Grave Robbing For Love

Lisa Frankenstein represents a contemporary reimagining of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, taking on the tone of a humorous slasher film. Unlike her peers, Lisa struggles with fitting in at school, yet she maintains an unusual bond with a young man buried in the woods whom she often converses with. An unexpected event occurs when this deceased individual, referred to as The Creature in the credits, is struck by lightning and miraculously revived.

Initially taken aback, Lisa gradually develops feelings for him despite the fact that The Creature is murdering people near Lisa. Matters escalate dramatically when Lisa dies, yet it appears that The Creature might have the power to resurrect her, although she exists in a diminished capacity afterwards. It’s unclear whether this ending is joyful or bittersweet as both main characters ultimately perish.

4. Ellen and Count Orlok (Nosferatu)

A Flowery End

In terms of the ending, Nosferatu shares some similarities with Lisa Frankenstein. However, unlike the latter, Nosferatu is a full-fledged horror film. This retelling of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, titled Nosferatu, follows the story of a young realtor named Thomas. He journeys to the countryside to sell some land to Count Orlok. While he’s away, his wife Ellen stays with some family friends who subsequently experience a series of unsettling nightmares. It’s later revealed that as a child, Ellen had formed a bond with Count Orlok who had fed on her vitality. The reason for Count Orlok requesting Thomas to visit him was to keep Thomas away from Ellen.

He yearns for her return, yet commits murders – both directly and indirectly by unleashing a pestilence throughout Germany. Aware of his relentless nature, Ellen chooses to give up her life in order to confront Count Orlok. They engage in an intimate moment until dawn arrives, which simultaneously ends their lives and transforms Count Orlok’s corpse into a blooming field of flowers – a striking sight for this vampire-like antagonist.

3. Grace and Alex (Ready or Not)

Till Death Do Us Part

The story of Ready or Not starts with a blissful newlywed couple, Grace and Alex. Before their union can be formalized, Alex invites Grace to his affluent family’s mansion, amassed through the creation of board games. To solidify their marriage, she must participate in a spontaneous game; it turns out to be hide-and-seek, which she finds peculiar but decides to join in.

Unbeknownst to her, the reason Alex’s kin are compelled to eliminate Grace before dawn is due to a family curse that will claim all of them if left unchecked. Although Alex attempts to shield her and even cautions her, ultimately he chooses his family’s side. Regrettably for this game-making dynasty, Grace proves herself an adept player at hide and seek, resulting in their demise instead of hers.

2. Ruth and Harry (Significant Other)

An Alien Feeling

One compelling horror concept that’s gained traction in recent years is “Significant Other,” which you may not have come across yet. It debuted on Paramount+ in 2022 and follows a troubled couple, Ruth and Harry, who decide to go hiking in the mountains to resolve their domestic issues. However, after hearing a distressing call, Harry ventures into the forest and doesn’t return as expected. When he does reappear, it becomes clear that something has changed – a truth that Ruth gradually uncovers.

A strange extraterrestrial being, who had crash-landed on a mountain, temporarily took control of a human host, named Harry. This alien race intended to conduct a takeover similar to “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” where they would replace humans with their own kind. However, an unusual development occurred when this parasite fell in love with Harry’s girlfriend, Ruth, due to Harry’s profound affection for her. The alien no longer desired to harm Ruth but couldn’t prevent it entirely. Unwillingly bound to the alien, Ruth decided to flee, only to discover that the ‘Harry’ she knew was indeed a deception. The movie concludes with a chilling scene of numerous spaceships descending towards Earth, like a meteor shower, foreshadowing potential future conflicts.

1. Satan and Saddam Hussein (South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut)

I Can Change

South Park: Larger, Longer, and More Explicit”

This animated film is the unique theatrical rendition of the renowned television series. In this narrative, Satan and Saddam Hussein are portrayed as romantic partners with ambitions to conquer Earth following a significant conflict involving characters Terrence and Philip. However, it’s suggested that Saddam’s desire for power outweighs his affection for Satan, making him more of a selfish, controlling partner than a devoted lover.

In a twist that’s both unconventional and captivating, the character Kenny, who has an unusual knack for dying, manages to persuade Satan, residing in Hell, to assert his own rights. This leads to Hell invading Earth, where Satan takes action against Saddam by impaling him on a sharp stake. In return for this favor, Kenny is granted a wish to restore order. Although the tale of Satan and Saddam ends grimly, it results in a positive outcome for humanity, making it one of the most peculiar yet entertaining musical comedies ever. However, it’s important to note that Saddam does reappear in the show, but his situation doesn’t improve significantly.

2025-02-09 16:37