‘What’s Love Got To Do With It?’ (2023) Review – A Refreshing Rom-Com That Celebrates Pakistani Culture

Every now and then, a film comes along that has the power to uplift your soul merely by existing. What’s Love Got to Do with It? is that kind of delight. The film not only brings charm and joy to the screen—which it does beautifully—but it also achieves something that we rarely see in cinema: it portrays Pakistan in a positive light and shows individuals of Pakistani heritage as ordinary, relatable people. The film is a heartwarming celebration of the human experience that will leave you feeling enriched and grateful for the cultural diversity that enriches our world.

Shekhar Kapur skillfully directs a delightful rom-com screenplay by Jemima Khan. The film takes inspiration from the Richard Curtis school of romantic comedies but adds a unique flavor of Pakistani culture to the mix. Our protagonist, Zoe, played by Lily James, is an accomplished documentary filmmaker from London, who just can’t seem to catch a break in the love department. Despite trying out a series of dating apps and indulging in meaningless hookups, Zoe hasn’t found her happily ever after. But let’s face it, in today’s world, finding love can be tough, and sometimes it feels like you’re searching in all the wrong places.

When Zoe’s childhood friend and neighbor, the charming British Pakistani Kaz (Shazad Latif), reveals that he’s decided to let his family arrange his marriage, it sparks a glimmer of hope in Zoe’s heart. Could this seemingly traditional approach be the key to finding true love? Zoe is eager to find out and convinces Kaz to let her document his journey toward wedded bliss. But as with all good rom-coms, things don’t quite go according to plan, and Zoe soon finds herself navigating unexpected twists and turns on the path to true love.

Although What’s Love Got to Do with It? might be a very familiar rom-com, it does break new ground by adding cultural richness to the genre. While tackling weighty themes such as racism, conservatism, and interracial marriages, the film still manages to maintain its delightful, lighthearted touch. This is thanks in no small part to the incredibly charming cast, led by the dynamic duo of Lily James and Shazad Latif as Zoe and Kaz, whose on-screen chemistry is nothing short of magical. Emma Thompson also shines as Zoe’s animated and lively mother, providing an extra layer of depth and color to an already heartwarming story. 

At the end of the day, What’s Love Got to Do with It? may not stray far from the traditional rom-com formula, but who says that’s necessarily a bad thing? While some may wish for a messier, more unpredictable conclusion, the film still manages to deliver plenty of heartwarming moments that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside (especially if you’ve ever struggled to find the right person yourself). What truly sets this movie apart, however, is the way it celebrates Pakistani culture and its people with such warmth and sincerity. In a world where diversity is often overlooked or marginalized, it’s refreshing to see a film that embraces it so fully. With its blend of romance, humor, and cultural nuance, What’s Love Got to Do with It? is a must-see for anyone looking for a feel-good movie that celebrates the beauty of diversity and the power of love.

What’s Love Got To Do With It is currently available in theaters courtesy of Shout! Studios. 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9tORxv_ta0]