What’s wrong with new movies that avoid kissing scenes? Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry’s new film is reminiscent of Twisters
It’s a summer full of action, drama, romantic suspense and… well, that’s about all it’s gotten to lately. Netflix’s action comedy The Union just published in the midst of Cinema program 2024. The union Trailer promised epic rom-com atmosphere by the duo Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry, but viewers may have been disappointed that all the romantic chemistry didn’t culminate in a passionate kiss. And this isn’t the first time this has happened recently, because Twisters also sparked complaints because a kiss was omitted. So why do these films create a similar mood by omitting kissing scenes?
Frankly, it is a little odd that the creative teams behind two recent big-budget films decided to leave out tried-and-tested kissing scenes. When it comes to The UnionDirector Julian Farino addressed this matter in an interview with diversityFarino’s decision seemed to be based more on one main element – potential:
We take the relationship to a certain point, and then I think you have to leave a lot of space. Netflix always said to us in the beginning, “You have to think of this as a possible three-movie idea.” So if an audience comes out wanting a kiss, then I think we’ve probably done everything right.
In many cases, production companies plan for the long term when it comes to their intellectual property. Netflix has had some success in its attempt to turn its films into franchises. And yes, people expect a kiss in a film like Julian Farino’s, so leaving one out could theoretically increase audience anticipation for another installment. But in my humble opinion, making a sequel partially dependent on audiences’ desire for a kiss is not enough to get a second film greenlit.
Of course, this is a business, and studios are looking for ways to keep viewers engaged. Ultimately, the stars of The Union agreed with their director’s logic, with Halle Berry saying:
Once they kiss, it’s over. We hope to continue that chase when we do a second film. You want to experience the journey – see these two high school sweethearts find each other.
OK, I understand that. The actors and writers feel that there is more to tell. That was also the reason that the Twisters Cast and director. A kiss between Tyler Owens (Glen Powell) and Kate Carter (Daisy Edgar-Jones) was filmed. Note from famous director Steven Spielbergwho acted as an EP for the film, the scene “stopped” the film. All in all, Spielberg felt that it would be better to give the audience the feeling that there would be a sequel. It seems We will never see this airport kiss at this point. It is just another element that we can add to the list of elements that should have been in the film, such as a Cameo by Powell’s dog Brisket.
Whether there will be sequels to both Twisters or The Union is still uncertain. Mike Wahlberg has hinted at what this could mean for the reunited high school sweethearts Mike and Roxanne:
If we go ahead and do something else, I imagine there will be a lot more than a kiss. But you know, we’ll have to wait and see what happens.
To be honest, the romance and the build-up to the missing kisses were very well done even without the final resolution. (These are still world-class actors, folks!) Still, at the end of my movie, I just want to see two hot people kissing. Is that too much to ask? Especially ones as good-looking as the Arthur the King Actor at 53. I mean, wow, Mark Wahlberg (who still works out shirtless) obviously doesn’t miss a day at the gym. Unfortunately, I guess I’ll have to rewatch these movies until sequels are announced and hope for more installments later.
Twisters is still in cinemas and you can watch The union now with a Netflix subscription.
