More Than a 'a chick flick': Gary Winick’s 2009 Bride Wars Finds Meaning in the Madness

Bride Wars, a 2009 romantic comedy starring Kate Hudson as Liv Lerner and Anne Hathaway as Emma Allan, focuses on two lifelong best friends who begin feuding when their weddings are accidentally scheduled for the same day at The Plaza Hotel in Manhattan. At first glance, Bride Wars seems like the type of movie that would easily be categorized as a "chick flick." While that term can sometimes be used dismissively toward movies made primarily for female audiences, the film does have some of the traits associated with the genre. It focuses heavily on female friendship, relationships, and weddings, while also being a light and easy comedy. However, I think there is more to Bride Wars than that description gives it credit for. Once you look past the absurdity of the conflict, the film actually has some interesting, thoughtful commentary about friendship, competition, and how people in stressful situations can lose sight of what matters. Although I don't always enjoy movies like this, Bride Wars is a surprise and has more value than I originally expected. 

Truthfully, the first time I watched Bride Wars, I actually disliked it to the point that I couldn't even finish it. I simply could not get past how petty and seemingly stupid the main conflict was. These two lifelong best friends are basically destroying their relationship over a wedding date, and I found myself getting more annoyed than entertained. However, when I watched the film for a second time, I enjoyed it a lot more. It finally clicked that the plot is supposed to be ridiculous and petty. The movie does not ask to be taken seriously or for the audience to question the premise. It just wants to give viewers a good time and hearty chuckle. Once I accepted that, I was able to enjoy the movie so much more. This film is not trying to be anything more than a fun comedy, and I think it succeeds at that. 

The script is funny on it’s own, and the actor’s killer comedic delivery amplifies the humor. More than anything though, Hudson and Hathaway are a dynamic duo and have great on-screen chemistry. Some of the funniest moments come from watching Liv and Emma react to each other's increasingly ridiculous attempts to ruin the other's wedding. The film understands how over-the-top the situation is and lets the actors completely commit to it. 

The highlights of the cast are easily Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway as the leads. You really buy both their friendship and their fighting because of how convincingly they portray these characters. Even when Liv and Emma are doing terrible things to each other, Hudson and Hathaway still make you believe that these are two people who have been best friends for most of their lives. The supporting cast is really great too, including Steve Howey and Chris Pratt as the male counterparts to the leads. Another standout is Candice Bergen as wedding planner Marion St. Claire. I have to say her performance really reminded me of Meryl Streep's performance in The Devil Wears Prada, in the best way possible. Both characters have a similar style of blunt comedy and a demanding, commanding presence that makes everyone around them slightly nervous. 

Ultimately, I think Bride Wars works because underneath its ridiculous premise, there is actually a pretty relatable message. The central conflict might be exaggerated for comedy, but the film is really about what happens when competition and jealousy start to take over a friendship. Liv and Emma become so focused on having the perfect wedding and beating each other that they slowly lose sight of why they were friends in the first place. I also think the screenplay does a good job using their rivalry to show how both characters need to grow individually, not just repair their friendship. Even the visual contrast between their increasingly over-the-top weddings and their deteriorating personal lives helps make that point. By the end, the film becomes less about who gets the better wedding and more about what each character wants from life. That is why I think there is more depth here than the traditional “chick flick” label suggests. The movie is definitely not trying to be a serious drama, but the combination of comedic performances and character development gives it a surprisingly meaningful message underneath the chaos.