In the world of romantic comedies, the "meet cute" is a pivotal scene where your protagonist means her/his love interest in a charming, humorous, or unexpected way. This scene sets the tone for their relationship and hooks the audience, making them root for the couple from the very beginning.
In my opinion when you are beating out your Rom-com, the MEET CUTE is one of the most important beats in the story. It MUST be there and it must be there early on.
I like to have the meet cute show up very close to the INCITING INCIDENT-which is why we are on this journey. The Inciting Incident is the story engine driving the boat, even in a rom-com.
At least in the good ones.
Let's examine a few of my favorite rom-coms
HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN TEN DAYS
This is a story about a woman, Andy Anderson, who desires to be taken seriously as a writer. However, she is writing for a fluff publication, which is like COSMOPOLITAN MAGAZINE, filled with beauty and sex tips. Andy is in charge of the "How to" column, and she hates it.
The INCITING INCIDENT comes for Andy when she is in a meeting, and her boss gives her a new How To column based of something that has happened to her friend, she agrees, but only if she does it, will her boss consider a more important piece.
That is what gets the story going,
Alternatively we have Benjamin Barry who is in advertising. His goal is to be the top salesman/ad man and his inciting incident comes when two women in his office challenge him to make a woman fall in love with him, and his boss says if he can do it before a big client's launch, he will get the account.
Both of these characters have their own wants, needs, and goals and then they meet.
In this case, the meet-cute is in a bar, and they both pick up on the other to satisfy their goals.
NEVER BEEN KISSED
NOTE-people are upset about this one these days as Josie falls in love with her teacher. They are the same age, but the implication that they aren't is the issue but none-the-less it's a flawless rom-com in true rom-com ways.
The protagonist is Josie Geller, a true nerd who wants to be a reporter but is a copywriter at the Chicago Sun-Times. She also desires to be in love, included, and popular with others, but her personality holds her back from everything she wants.
The inciting incident occurs at a staff meeting, where her boss talks about how he can't connect with his own family and wants someone to go back to high school. Josie is the right age, and it's her big chance to prove that she is a reporter.
Cut to Josie pretending to be 17 and in Mr. Colton's class sparks fly when they meet. The meet cute is with her in his class (hence the problem people have with it but IMHO, it doesn't matter as they address this issue in the movie.
ANYONE BUT YOU
The main characters Ben and Bea meet when Bea is trying to get the key to the restroom at a coffee shop and pretends to be with Ben, who is a stranger but he is intrigued. The meet-cute is at the very beginning.
The inciting incident occurs when they are both invited to the same wedding and given a hard time about being single, so they decide to pretend to be a couple.
In this film, the meet-cute is BEFORE the inciting incident, so you can do it either way, as long as it's there.
For me the beats of a rom-com go something like this
OPENING/INTRODUCING THE MAIN CHARACTER(S)
INCITING INCIDENT
MEET-CUTE
NEW WORLD/REALITY
The meet-cute can happen anywhere before the NEW WORLD (which ALWAYS happens at the quarter mark) or right after it but please have it early if you do it after the new world.
HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN TEN DAYS-after the inciting incident but BEFORE the new world
NEVER BEEN KISSED-after the inciting incident and AFTER the new world starts
ANYONE BUT YOU-before the inciting incident and before the new world
So you have options just make sure if it's truly a rom-com that it's in there close to the beginning. I would say before the 30-minute mark.
Here are some other tips for writing successful romantic comedies.
Also, see my blog about how a rom-com is a subgenre of COMEDY, not romance here
1. Create a Unique Setting
The setting of your meet cute can add an extra layer of charm and originality. Think beyond the typical coffee shop or office and place your characters in a location that enhances their personalities and the story. Consider locations that are unusual or significant to the characters.
2. Infuse Humor and Awkwardness
A meet-cute is often memorable because of its humor and awkwardness. These elements make the scene relatable and endearing, showing the characters' vulnerabilities and humanizing them. Think about everyday situations that can lead to funny misunderstandings or awkward moments. The key is to create a scenario that feels natural yet amusing.
3. Highlight Contrasting Personalities
Opposites attract, and showcasing the differences between your characters during their first meeting can create instant chemistry. Highlighting their contrasting traits can set up the dynamic for their relationship. This contrast can also foreshadow how they will complement and challenge each other throughout the story.
4. Use Dialogue to Reveal Character
The dialogue in your meet-cute should reveal key aspects of your characters' personalities and hint at their future relationship. Witty banter, playful teasing, or heartfelt exchanges can all contribute to building their connection. Write dialogue that feels authentic and true to your characters. Avoid clichés and strive for lines that are clever, funny, or poignant. Avoid JOKES and trying to be funny. Everything said needs to come from character.
5. Incorporate a Touch of Fate
Many great meet-cutes have an element of fate or serendipity, suggesting that the characters were meant to meet. This can add a touch of magic and inevitability to their relationship.
Think about how you can weave fate into the scene. Perhaps they both reach for the last copy of a book at the same time, or they keep bumping into each other throughout the day. These moments can make their meeting feel destined.
6. Build Emotional Stakes
To make the meet-cute more compelling, consider the emotional stakes for both characters. What are they going through at the time of their meeting? How does this encounter change their day or their outlook?
Tip: Give your characters a reason to remember this moment. Maybe one is having a terrible day, and the other unknowingly brightens it. Or perhaps they share a brief, meaningful conversation that leaves a lasting impression.
I hope this is helpful!
What's your favorite meet cute from a romantic comedy? Please share in the comments below, and let's discuss what makes these moments so magical!
My favorite rom-coms all have great meet-cutes. Here are some of them!
THE HOLIDAY
NEVER BEEN KISSED
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY
TWO WEEKS NOTICE
HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN TEN DAYS
WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING
Happy writing and as always please follow me on social @stephobourbon
xo Stephanie
Commenti