Frances Ha (2012)

"Frances Ha" (2012) centers on Frances, an aspiring dancer navigating the complexities of her twenties in New York City. Caught in a whirlwind of shifting friendships, financial struggles, and artistic disappointments, Frances' journey is one of self-discovery and the evolving definition of "home" and belonging. Her pursuit of a career, coupled with the inevitable letdowns of adulthood, forms the core of her story, as she strives to build a life that feels authentic to her. While the movie doesn't adhere to traditional romance tropes, it undeniably explores the profound and often unacknowledged romance of platonic love and self-love. Frances' relationship with her best friend, Sophie, embodies a deep, intimate bond that experiences both joy and pain, growth and stagnation. The film beautifully portrays the complexities of these types of relationships and the importance of finding fulfillment within yourself even when faced with disappointment. It also explores the "romance" of a city and the idea of finding your place in the world. This focus on the evolving nature of relationships and personal growth ultimately qualifies this film as a kind of "best romance movie".