The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland List: Romantic Dramas of the 2020s

How often do you sit there thinking about what to watch? You might have an endless watchlist that keeps piling up (I certainly have one myself). Sometimes you are just in the mood for a type of film or a certain filmmaker or actor and want to take yourself into a deep dive. As someone who watches so many movies, I have people asking me for recommendations all the time. One of the best feelings as a cinephile is recommending a film and that person loves it. Take this wealth of cinematic knowledge and experience and enjoy some recommendations on me. Genre. Subgenre. Filmmaker. Actor. Composer. Writer. Genre. Story. Trope. Cliché. Any other cinematic elements or them. Here is The Wasteland List:   

Romantic Dramas of the 2020s

Ordinary Love (2020)

Have you ever seen Liam Neeson romantic? The combination of Neeson and Leslie Manville is so impactful, and they carry this long-term marriage romance that has challenging dramatic threads. A cancer storyline certainly brings the drama, but this duo charms the audience to pull you right in.

The World to Come (2021)

Who doesn’t love a period lesbian romance that is forbidden and fiery? The four actors at the center of this film are excellent with Katherine Waterston and Vanessa Kirby having excellent chemistry and sexual tension. Not only that; Mona Fastvold’s film is incredibly beautiful and engrossing to experience.

Benedetta (2021)

Now how would that narrative set be from director Paul Verhoeven? This is another forbidden lesbian love affair except more intense, kinky, and provocative…and is about nuns. Virginie Efira delivers an impressive performance (she is one of the most underrated actors working today) and the film has a compelling exploration of organized religion and faith.

A Love Song (2022)

How about a quaint little romance between two people later in life? Character actors Dale Dickey and Wes Studi get to shine in this gorgeous western landscape. The fanning of an old flame gives this film the romantic core and these two actors set it ablaze.

Of an Age (2023)

Who doesn’t appreciate a fiery romance over just one day? This concept works perfectly in Goran Stolevski’s film as a young dancer spends the day with a friend’s older brother and it becomes quite a special day. Stolevski delivers a gorgeous film and there is plenty of chemistry in the air between these two men.

Past Lives (2023)

Just how great is Celine Song in understanding the deep human perception of love? This film is a challenging scenario where a woman is stuck between a love that never was and her husband who is part of her real life. Greta Lee is excellent with Teo Yoo and John Magaro supporting this raw and honest film well.

Passages (2023)

Are we ready to make this complicated? Ira Sachs’ romance is an intriguing love triangle that begins to fracture a gay married couple when a young woman gets injected into the equation. A trio of strong performances from Franz Rogowski, Ben Whishaw, and Adele Exarchopoulos grounds this wild, fiery, and complex romance.

Challengers (2024)

This film is not really about tennis, is it? Luca Guadagnino delivers a sexy, intense, and complex love triangle told through a layered narrative structure. Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor all bring the goods carry this fiery flick to the final call from judge that crescendos in an intense final match.

Love Lies Bleeding (2024)

Who says a romantic drama cannot have some magical realism and crime thrown in? Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian have impressive chemistry as a drifter with a dark past and a bodybuilder with a huge dream. Rose Glass delivers a complex, shocking, and twisted tale that boasts impressive filmmaking that matches this dynamic acting duo.

Slow (2024)

How important is physicality to a connection? When you have a dancer and a sign language interpreter, you will find a unique approach to romance on film. Marija Kavtaradze delivers an intimate, raw, and authentic tale that is anchored by the strong chemistry and connection between Greta Grineviciute and Kestutis Cicenas.

Materialists (2025)

Could Celine Song do it again? She sure did as she delivered a love triangle with a match maker stuck between her struggling artist former lover and the rich man who understands the status she seeks. Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal deliver impressive performances as they navigate this complex and richly written romance from Song.

Come Closer (2025)

How powerful is love born out of tragedy? This Israeli film focuses on the lesbian love affair between a free-spirited and flawed woman and the secret girlfriend of her dead brother. This fiery and intense affair is just the tip of the iceberg for this compelling drama.

Thank you, Nicholas Attanasio, for the recommendation!