Finding my Noah: navigating love in a digital age
Reflections on dating, rom-coms and the search for genuine connection
As I approach the end of my twenties, I find myself reflecting on the state of my love life, or lack thereof. I’ve lost count of how many dating apps I’ve tried, each promising connections that often lead to dead ends. It seems I’m no closer to finding my own Rabbi Noah than when I first signed up. That’s why, when I stumbled upon Nobody Wants This, the latest viral rom-com on Netflix, I felt a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Could this show actually break the mould of predictable relationships and unrealistic expectations? Spoiler alert: it absolutely does, and for once, it feels refreshingly different.
Kristen Bell’s character, Joanne, is a single, creative woman with a podcast who meets Adam Brody’s Noah, a sweet Rabbi, at a party. His pursuit of her is not grand or overly dramatic, but subtle and genuine. Noah's interest is the kind of pursuit that avoids red flags or dramatic ultimatums—something I find myself yearning for in my own dating experiences. The dream, right? Meanwhile, I often feel lucky if someone offers to walk me home after a date.
Navigating the Reality of Dating Apps
Dating apps have been a constant presence in my life over the past few years. Initially, platforms like Raya piqued my curiosity rather than offering a serious avenue for connection. While I’ve encountered crushes and met intriguing people, these interactions often feel one-sided. Hinge, for instance, seems to work only when I’m in London, leaving me to ponder whether the issue lies with me or the apps themselves. Unlike Joanne, I’ve yet to encounter a “Noah” through these platforms.
A Rom-Com That Breaks the Mould
What struck me most about Nobody Wants This is its departure from typical rom-com clichés. Joanne and Noah's relationship isn’t fuelled by the standard will they or won’t they tension. Instead, the central question shifts to how will they make this work together? Their dynamic feels mature and balanced, marked by real challenges they discuss like adults—a rarity in the genre. In an age where many rom-coms seem to recycle themes and formulas, this show offers a breath of fresh air. The conclusion isn’t designed to shock us but to feel genuine and relatable.
The Power of Music in Storytelling
With a background in media studies, I appreciate how music shapes the mood of a scene. Nobody Wants This employs its soundtrack effectively, with each song fitting perfectly into its moment, adding emotional depth that words alone can’t convey. While I didn’t have a specific favourite track, the soundtrack as a whole felt like a character in its own right. Music significantly influences how we perceive scenes, try watching with the sound off, and you’ll see what I mean.
Seeing Myself in Joanne
Watching Joanne, I couldn’t help but recognise aspects of myself in her character. We’re both creatives, and our styles (simple yet polished) resonate with my own. I even have a go-to first date outfit that’s quite similar to hers. While our love lives may be filled with ups and downs, we share a connection through our passion for creativity and our commitment to family. However, unlike Joanne, I’ve always preferred writing to speaking, my recorded voice is something I could happily live without.
Finding Love in a Complicated World
As I navigate my late twenties, it can sometimes feel isolating to still be single. Yet, conversations with friends worldwide remind me that I’m far from alone in this journey. Many of us are navigating the complexities of modern dating, seeking meaningful connections and wondering if someone like Noah—someone who doesn’t just accept us but cherishes us for who we are—exists beyond the Netflix screen.
Perhaps that’s the true magic of Nobody Wants This: it serves as a mirror to our hopes and desires. It’s not just a rom-com but a reflection of what we all yearn for—someone who appreciates our creative messiness, imperfections, and all. In this quest for love, it’s essential to remember that it’s okay to be single at 29, and who knows? Maybe my own Adam Brody is just around the corner.
I can totally relate to the ups and downs of dating in this age. Great read!