The 1 thing you didn't notice in Love Actually

Who's secretly in love with who, again?

Clarisse Loughrey

Tuesday 01 December 2015 10:41

As we all gather once more around that one, battered and worn, copy of Love Actually on DVD, Buzzfeed has pointed something out that might blow the roof off this year's annual festive viewing.

We've always known Daniel (Liam Neeson) and Karen (Emma Thompson) to be best buds. She consoles him over a box of frosted flakes; it's touching and everyone's heart warms by about five degrees. Basically, they're close. Close enough, in fact, that the casual viewer will often mistake them for brother and sister. It's very important for the rest of this story that we firmly establish they are not brother and sister.

We've also always known that Daniel ends up meeting potential new love Carol after the revelation that he's got a crush on Claudia Schiffer. Carol is played by the actual Claudia Schiffer, in a move of wish fulfilment devastatingly destined never to happen in anyone's actual life experiences.

Except, Daniel nervously ends the conversation with the line: "Well, I hope we'll meet again, Karen."

Interesting. Want to enlighten us as to why you've got Karen on your mind, Daniel? Your supposed best bud Karen, in this moment of meeting your Claudia Schiffer-lookalike, dream crush? 'Karen' being the first word you say in the movie?

So, there you have it. Richard Curtis is possibly, maybe, hinting that Daniel is in love with Karen. Which would go some way in making up for that heartbreaking Christmas present mix-up she went through.

12 Underrated Christmas films

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1/1212 Underrated Christmas films

One of Sandra Bullock’s earliest and most endearing performances, it is easy to forget this is a solid option for the Christmas holidays. Do not make the mistake of dismissing this as a run-of-the-mill, soppy festive romcom; it has some dark influences, coupled with several laugh-out-loud moments. Slipping on ice is always a winner.

Elf is one of those movies that is intended for kids but is enjoyed by adults in equal measure. The laughs keep on coming as does the yuletide cheer, making for extremely easy viewing. Will Ferrell captures innocence without being grating and it results in a fun, light comedy for the whole family to get lost in.

This is one of those undeniably feel-good features and it’s always good to have a Christmas musical up your sleeve for the holidays. While it may not be to everyone’s taste, it certainly captures the essence of Christmas in a child’s eyes and is a great option to watch with the whole family when a rom-com doesn’t appeal. Besides, it is Dickens. Well, Brian Henson's version, anyway.

As far as guaranteed feel-good chick flicks go, this has to be top of the list. Everything you could want from a romcom is covered by this film - undeniable chemistry between the protagonists, attention-holding dialogue, classic fairy-tale ending - yet the tried and tested formula doesn’t feel stale. Like a modern day take on Cary Grant’s classic An Affair to Remember, with references throughout to prove it.

AP

The joys of When Harry Met Sally should not go forgotten amongst the influx of newer, shinier romcoms. While it may not immediately spring to mind as a typical ‘Christmas film’ it includes enough festive spirit to earn its place. Not to mention it provided one of the most infamous scenes in film history teaching men the realities of ‘faking it’. A talking point over Christmas dinner if ever the conversation runs dry.

This chronically underrated movie is capable of melting even the iciest of hearts. John Cusack delivers a predictably sincere performance and can’t fail to warm to his character. The thrill of the Christmas season in New York is palpable, making the good feelings contagious. Why go out on New Year’s Eve when you could stay in with this classic?

Often considered a modern version of Mark Twain’s novel, The Prince and the Pauper, this is a light-hearted comedy which deals with surprisingly deep themes. A gentle reminder that this is the season to be blessed, this highly comedic vehicle highlights prejudice and discrimination. It’s cultural, too – parallels have been made to Mozart's 18th century comic opera The Marriage of Figaro due to the subtle inclusion of its overture and the similarity in storylines. It’s a fun one for the kids, and a thought-provoking number for the grownups.

You might sneer, but it’s rare a film that appeals to so many and is so watchable. Again and again and again... Look beyond the all-star cast and usual festive romcom tropes and this film still has underappreciated value lying with the pithy dialogue and quick plot guaranteeing you won’t be bored. It may not set the film world alight with originality, but it does what it sets out to do, and does it well.

Rex

This feel-good film chronicling the ups and downs of two young couples thrown together during the Christmas holidays due to a house swap is sure to bring a smile to any grinch’s face. The genuine chemistry between the actors and just the right amount of charm prevents it from being yet another saccharine and ultimately disappointing chick flick.

Jim Carrey wholly embodies the unique character dreamt up by Dr Seuss. He is both entertaining and horrifying in equal measure. Contrasting with the usual merriment rife this time of year, The Grinch offers a weird and captivating alternative that subverts Christmas ideals. This formula can’t fail to entice and impress the younger audience and if all else fails you get to see Jenny from Gossip Girl before she was famous.

Yet another dark and misunderstood Christmas classic, Joe Dante's self-aware horror comedy features some surprisingly violent scenes. It is definitely not a childhood Christmas animation. It also appears to parody various film genres, ranging from fairy-tale to horror, all unified by a haunting musical score throughout.

Bad Santa provides a ruder, cruder and all round more debauched alternative to the usual Santas and sleighs. Packed full of laughs, this is one (slightly rough) diamond that is often criminally missed off the Christmas list.

Read more: How well do you actually know Love Actually? Take our quiz.

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