Publications
Partners
WHAT IT'S ABOUT:
Based on the 1990s British cult classic film of the same name, this miniseries follows four American college friends who reunite at a wedding in London. But a bombshell at the altar throws them all into turmoil.
WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Four Weddings and a Funeral is a much-beloved film and when the series was announced my father was up in arms about it because how very dare they remake such a classic. Needless to say, he hasn't watched it. But I have, and I am here to say that even though it doesn't touch the Hugh Grant film, it is an enjoyable series nonetheless.
The series follows a group of four American college friends who have immigrated to London and the shenanigans of their personal lives. The event that sets all of the drama into motion is when Maya (Nathalie Emmanuel) flies to London after a breakup to meet up with her friends and lick her wounds. At the airport, she has a meet-cute with Kash, and they have an instant attraction. Maya soon finds out that Kash is Ainsley's boyfriend.
And this is just a first in a long line of shenanigans. Each of the friends has some sort of drama going on, and it all unfolds over ten episodes that span two years. With each episode being an hour-long, this is essentially a very long movie. The show is called Four Weddings and a Funeral, so you're left trying to figure out who amongst this group is getting married and anxiously awaiting whose funeral we will be witnessing. Said funeral happens pretty early on in the series and I certainly did not expect it. The repercussions of that death set off a series of events that ultimately lead to a happy ending because this is a rom-com after all.
Despite the dramas and heartache, it has to end with happily ever after. And in the end, it seemingly does for everyone involved.
I really enjoyed this show and got deeply invested in not only their romantic relationships but also their friendships. To be honest, I was far more interested in the relationships of the supporting characters. Zara and Gemma have wonderful character developments throughout the show and by the end are two of the most lovable characters.
As a Muslim, it was nice to see an arranged marriage explained and how it's not forced. How chaperones are involved and how you actually marry for love as is shown between Fatima and Basheer, played by Guz Khan. My favourite relationship is hands down the one between Basheer and Fatima's grandmother when they are chaperones. Guz Khan provides much of the comic relief in this show, and it's a shining point in the show.
Then we have to talk about rom-com royalty, Dermot Mulroney. Mulroney is swoon-worthy as Ainsley's new client and eventual beau, Bryce Dylan. He's older than millennial Ainsley and her group of friends but is just the grounding that self-centred Ainsley needs. I love Ainsley when she's with Bryce.
The show is diverse not only in terms of race but also religion, sexuality and tackles issues such as interracial relationships and how relationships navigate the obstacles of social class and opposing political beliefs. It's a heart-warming and charming story that is sure to entertain.
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:
