Valentine’s Day is not only for the cloying lovers who fill the networks with photos of candlelit dinners. For some, this day is a perfect excuse to dive into the other side of love: heartbreak, drama and, why not, a little blood. If you’re one of those who prefer to watch relationships that fall apart or stories that end in chaos, here’s a selection of movies perfect for an alternative Valentine’s Day.
Gone Girl (2014)
If you’ve ever wondered how badly a relationship can end, “Gone Girl” is the answer. This David Fincher masterpiece takes us on a journey of manipulation, lies and revenge with the fascinating Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike) at the center of it all. Ideal for those who enjoy suspense and stories where love turns into psychological warfare.
Midsommar (2019)
Nothing screams “failed romance” like a trip to a Swedish festival that turns into a psychedelic nightmare. “Midsommar” is not only visually disturbing, but also explores a toxic and decaying relationship. Florence Pugh shines as a woman who finds her true strength in the midst of horror. If you want a “self-improvement” story with a macabre twist, this one’s for you.
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Perfect for those who enjoy snakes disguised as best friends. Megan Fox plays Jennifer, a possessed girl with a particular appetite: devouring boys. “Jennifer’s Body” is a gem of horror cinema with a critique of toxic relationships and envy disguised as friendship. It also has a spectacular soundtrack.
Her (2013)
If deep sadness and introspection are your thing, “Her” is a brutal choice. Joaquin Phoenix plays a lonely man who falls in love with an operating system voiced by Scarlett Johansson. It’s a beautiful (and devastating) exploration of human connection in the digital age and how fragile love can be.
Ready or Not (2019)
A wedding, a crazy family and a game of survival. “Ready or Not” is a horror-comedy in which a bride (Samara Weaving) discovers that her new husband’s family has a rather peculiar marriage tradition: hunting down and murdering the new arrival. It’s brutal, bloody and surprisingly funny. Perfect if you want to forget about traditional love and embrace the chaos.
The Invisible Man (2020)
A psychological horror story about abuse and power. Elisabeth Moss shines in this thriller about a woman who escapes an abusive relationship only to realize that her ex, supposedly dead, is still stalking her in terrifying ways. It’s intense, dark and perfect for those who want a movie with a message.
Blue Valentine (2010)
If horror isn’t your thing, but heartbreak calls to you, “Blue Valentine” is a devastating choice. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams star in this story about the rise and fall of a relationship. It’s raw, realistic and will make you question everything about love and the expectations we have of it.
Marriage Story (2019)
Nothing like a divorce story to remind us that love is not always forever. “Marriage Story” shows us the separation of a couple (Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver) with a brutal honesty that hurts the soul. Fights, lawyers and heartbreak combine in this drama that portrays how complicated it is to say goodbye to someone you once loved.
Revolutionary Road (2008)
If “Titanic” made you believe that Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet were the ideal couple, “Revolutionary Road” will shatter that illusion. This film is a brutal portrait of marriage, social expectations and disillusionment. If you’re in a “love isn’t what it’s cracked up to be” mood, this is the perfect choice.
Fresh (2022)
If you like dating stories that end badly, “Fresh” takes that to another level. What starts out as a casual romance turns into a nightmarish situation when the protagonist (Daisy Edgar-Jones) discovers the sinister secret of her new boyfriend (Sebastian Stan). It’s a perfect combination of horror and dark humor.
Whether you’re getting over an ex, running away from traditional romance or just looking for a reason to enjoy the chaos, these movies will make your Valentine’s Day unforgettable. So get some popcorn ready, call your friends (or enjoy solo) and let love…or lack thereof, completely envelop you.
Happy (or unhappy) Valentine’s Day – enjoy the drama and the gore!
