Image Credit- Screenshot from Warner Bros. Pictures on YouTube
Something Borrowed is a 2011 movie focused on the life of Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin). As she turns 30, she hopes for development in other areas of her life. The desire for more is professed at the end of the birthday party her childhood best friend, Darcy (Kate Hudson) planned for her. One of her desires is revealed to her former law school colleague, long-time crush, and Darcy’s fiancé, Dex (Colin Egglesfield). After some drinks, she makes her affection for him during law school known, which affects Dex, leading to them spending the night together. The movie’s emotions escalate as the characters navigate morality, obligation and desire. In the past, Dex feels the same way as Rachel but she redirects his attention to Darcy who interrupts their conversation. However, her interruption is to encourage security in their relationship. She encourages Dex to properly ask Rachel out but Rachel declines it, turns their attention to them and cries all the way home even after Dex follows her out. Rachel felt insecure, especially beside Darcy. She felt things always worked in favour of Darcy whether she tried or not unlike her. This insecurity damaged her and her relationships.
She developed a self-deprecating habit which was evident in the drinking scene with her and Dex. She felt uncomfortable by the lady looking at Dex as they spoke and said the lady was probably confused and thought that “hot people should be with hot people.” Dex disagrees with Rachel and calls her his girlfriend to the lady. In the past, Rachel felt Dex and Darcy were a much better fit. She believed her feelings would not be returned before even trying. However, it was revealed that he was disappointed because she seemed to be setting him and Darcy up while he thought things were going well between them. This is the reason her confession was important to him. Darcy and Rachel value their long friendship as they see themselves as sisters but it comes to an end after Rachel’s affair with Dex is revealed. Before the reveal, they have several conversations trying to create an understanding between them as they proceed with the wedding preparations for himself and Darcy. Ethan (John Krasinski), another childhood friend of theirs, helps Rachel make decisions and accept realizations. One of the things he says is, “If the roles were reversed, Darcy wouldn’t even hesitate.” Darcy is known to be more aloof than Rachel so this statement does not warrant a decline from Darcy but the silence also confirms an unfairness in their friendship. He influences her to realize she belittles herself for Darcy and encourages her relationship with Dex as he’s unmarried.
The unfairness in their relationship and the fact that she initially liked Dex, justifies Rachel’s actions of cheating with her best friend’s fiancé. The fact that she is more reserved and hopes for more out of life as she turns 30 also adds to the justification of Rachel hurting Darcy. In several instances, Rachel is portrayed to care more about Dex and his wedding as she helps write Darcy’s vows to him. She decides to live her life and finally embrace her desires regardless of the harm to Darcy. This aligns with the belief that women can’t truly be friends as she hurts Darcy to gain her happiness. She decides to take charge of her uncertain situation with Dex by expressing her feelings and demanding he cancel the wedding. His agreement comes later after and they forge a relationship despite Darcy’s disappointment. However, Darcy’s emotions appear shallow after she shares she also cheated on him with Marcus (Steve Howey). Marcus is Dex’s family friend and whom she encouraged Rachel to get with therefore making some sort of karmic balance in the situation. Her feelings also appeared shallow because she was uninterested in doing certain important wedding tasks including the vow writing and music screening she made Rachel do. Although one relationship had more history, they both broke the ‘girl code’. In the end, she appears pregnant by Marcus as they pass each other on the street with a cordial greeting. They are no longer friends at the demand of Darcy who felt betrayed but they are both pleased with their versions of happy.
Comments