By Maya Shah, Beats Editor

Often disregarded as a fictional underdog, the romantic comedy has blossomed into an irreplaceable genre. While some may view rom-coms as a straightforward form of entertainment, unanticipated benefits lay beneath their surface. From the beginning, middle and end, viewers have much to gain from something as short as a one hour film.

Although rom-coms often come across as lighthearted and silly, producers have used these traits as a way to delve into more serious topics. The simple storylines and happy endings allow for themes of loss and trauma to be explored within a comfortable space. By bringing forward conversations about such topics, romantic comedies discuss loss with a silver lining that makes it more digestible for the viewer.

The benefits behind romantic comedies go far beyond just their structure. A 2016 Media Psychology study conducted by Matthew Gizzard, a researcher at the University of Buffalo, found that those with prolonged exposure to films with high levels of romance experienced increased sensitivity in multiple areas, including care and fairness. By bringing forth emotionally-charged plotlines, romantic comedies create a sense of moral openness amongst their viewers. A similar article by Jessica Migala of Women’s Health Magazine finds that the endorphins from a happy ending can prevent insomnia if watched before sleeping. Needless to say, our brains are big fans of the genre.

At their very core, romantic comedies are a representation of both love and humor. By exploring the many different paths love can take, rom-coms push the boundaries on what a relationship “should” look like. Whether it is the classic meet-cute or an accidental run in, there are numerous ways that romantic comedies can unfold, each one offering a different perspective on the course love takes.
Doubters of the romantic comedy claim it warps people’s perceptions of love and relationships. The Daily Mail deemed this the “Notting Hill Effect” after the classic 1999 film, which refers to the idea that those who watch romantic comedies are more likely to believe in predestined love. While this may be the case, the effects of this phenomenon are not necessarily harmful. By raising viewers’ standards, romantic comedies encourage people not to settle for less than they deserve. The examples set by rom-coms are to be taken lightly, but this doesn’t mean they cannot help their viewers by showing the various ways love can look.

Rom-coms deserve the benefit of the doubt. Whether it is the quirkiness of an original like “When Harry Met Sally,” or a modern adaptation of a classic in “Fire Island,” there is something for everyone. If you have yet to cave to the genre, both the psychological and emotional benefits are clear — romantic comedies do more than just entertain. So next time you are endlessly scrolling through movies at a loss of what to watch, consider choosing to indulge in the magic of romantic comedies — you will not regret it.

Maya Shah can be reached at [email protected].