An 'underrated' romantic comedy that bravely tackles themes of love and profound grief is set to captivate audiences on BBC Three tonight, proving that sometimes the critics don't know what they're talking about.
A Story of Love Beyond Loss
Based on the best-selling novel by Cecelia Ahern, the 2007 film PS I Love You stars Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler as Holly and Gerry, a couple deeply in love living in Manhattan. Their world is shattered when Gerry tragically dies from an illness, leaving Holly engulfed in grief and isolated from her family, including her mother Patricia, played by Kathy Bates.
The narrative takes a poignant turn on Holly's 30th birthday when she begins to receive a series of messages crafted by her late husband before his death, each one signed with the film's signature 'PS I Love You'. These messages become a guiding force, pushing her to slowly re-engage with life and the world around her.
Defying Critics and Box Office Expectations
Upon its release, the film faced a barrage of negative criticism. Reviewers labelled it as clichéd and questioned the casting of Hilary Swank in a romantic lead role. On the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a starkly low score of just 25%.
However, the audience reaction told a completely different story. In a powerful defiance of the critics, PS I Love You became a major commercial success, grossing an impressive $156.8 million worldwide. This box office performance mirrored the success of Ahern's debut novel, which, despite similarly mediocre reviews, became a number one bestseller in the UK, Ireland, the US, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Why Fans Still Champion the Film
Years after its release, the film maintains a dedicated and vocal fanbase who find its portrayal of grief and healing both moving and authentic. Many have taken to platforms like Rotten Tomatoes to share their personal connections to the story.
One viewer, who found solace in the film after a personal bereavement, wrote: "This film is so underrated. It is a love story. Maybe it is because it talks of the reality of death and how to cope. I saw this film not long after my husband had passed... This film helped me with my grieving process."
Another baffled fan expressed, "I cannot for the life of me, fathom out the poor ratings this film has from critics. It is just beautiful. Wonderful sound track, moments of heart wrenching grief and moments of hilarity. It's a stunner." The appeal even extends beyond its expected audience, with one male viewer recommending it as a worthwhile watch for couples.
With a stellar supporting cast including Lisa Kudrow and Gina Gershon, and a heartfelt journey to Ireland that reveals more of Gerry's plans, the film continues to resonate. Don't miss your chance to see this fan-favourite, underrated rom-com for yourself. PS I Love You airs on BBC Three at 10.15pm tonight, Wednesday 26 November.
