The only movie singles need to watch this Valentine’s Day: ‘Gone Girl’
Who says Valentine’s Day has to be about lovey-dovey couples? Whether you want to celebrate your independence, laugh at how messy relationships can truly get, or ignore the day with an anti-Valentine’s thriller to go with, we’ve got you covered with Gone Girl on Netflix.
Serving as the ultimate antidote to every romance trope ever created, Gone Girl is the only escape singles need this Valentine’s Day. While most of the world is busy watching people fall in love, the mystery thriller allows you to witness a relationship spectacularly explode.
In case you’re suffering from FOMO about not having a partner to celebrate Valentine’s Day with, Gone Girl brings you the reality check you didn’t know you needed. And by the time the credits roll, you’ll probably be thanking the universe, thinking, even if I’m alone, at least no one’s trying to frame me for murder today.
Directed by David Fincher, based on Gillian Flynn’s 2012 novel of the same name, the psychological thriller follows Nick Dunne on his marriage anniversary when he discovers his wife, Amy, missing, prompting him to report a missing persons case. Amy’s background and popularity, thanks to “Amazing Amy” children’s books, soon turn her disappearance into a media sensation.
It’s not long before the public and the police start raising their eyebrows, quickly turning their eyes of suspicion towards Nick. Through flashbacks and present-day events, Gone Girl actually reveals the intricacies of their struggling marriage, financial burden after losing jobs, and Nick’s affair with a student, underscoring the complex nature of their relationship.
While nothing really goes Nick’s way in Gone Girl, the film’s major plot twist surrounding Amy actually deconstructs the tropes of modern dating standards, reminding us that beneath the bed of roses and chocolates, people are complicated and occasionally homicidal.
Even if you’re not single and opt for Gone Girl on Valentine’s Day, Nick and Amy will make your relationship drama look like a drop in the bucket, making it a “gratitude watch.” But just because you have a partner, don’t expect slow-motion sequences in the rain or grand gestures at the airport.
Before you tune into this, make sure your partner is on the same page; because if they’re expecting The Notebook, Gone Girl can actually make things awkward for a Valentine’s dinner.
But if you’re single, even better, make it a movie night with your single friends so you can spend the entire night discussing and debating relationships.