A Tourist’s Guide to Love is a 2023 romcom by Netflix, starring Rachael Leigh Cook and Scott Ly. It’s a fun, sweet and romantic story about a woman who is challenged to get out of her comfort zone first by a break-up and then by a free-spirited tourist guide in Vietnam.
First, let me get this out of the way. This is a happy movie about a non-toxic romantic relationship that starts as a friendship. So, if your favorite romantic movie is The Notebook, you will probably not enjoy this one.
This is not to say the protagonists don’t have problems. They do. But no one dies or gets sick. No one plots to keep people apart, and minor disagreements do not turn into shouting matches or served under the guise of passion:
Plot Summary
After travel executive Amanda (Rachael Leigh Cook)’s 5-year relationship comes to a disappointing end, her best friend/business partner Mona (Missi Pyle) sends her to Vietnam to get over her disappointment and to evaluate a local tour guide company for purchase. Amanda is all ready for a packed visit jammed with activities, but her tour guide Sinh (Scott Ly) has other ideas.
As he encourages her to take a moment and enjoy everything, the instant chemistry and connection between them grow. But unfortunately, their different residences aren’t the only thing standing in their romance: He doesn’t know Amanda is there to buy his uncle’s company. Add the ex who is regretting the break-up, and things get complicated.
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The movie is like slow travel. It appeals to your senses, presents another culture respectfully, and introduces you to fellow travelers who could be your best friends. And there is a lovely romance brewing which will end happily of course.
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What can the movie offer you if you write romcom?
- You can tone down the chaos. Sometimes readers and watchers need and want to relax. You can offer beautiful escapism with a sense of calm.
- Internal and external conflicts can be introduced and amped up without people acting like jerks to one another.
- Adults can (and should) experience romance in a healthy, respectful, non-toxic way while still conveying passion and attraction.
- Cultures can co-exist wonderfully.
Fun cast facts:
- Mona is played Missi Pyle, who played the love interest of Ross in an episode of Friends. She’s the girl Ross whitened his teeth for. If you know, you know. 🙂
- The leads are in their 40s (even though they look younger), so you don’t have to give the movie a pass if you’re bored of only seeing 20-somethings find love on the screen.
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Want more love non-toxic, escapist love stories? You can try my romcom novels Making A Difference (M.A.D.) and A Change Would Do You Good. (Though my chaos levels are higher due to the premise and large cast of the books.;))
