Watch Futile Attraction

Futile Attraction is a New Zealand romantic comedy from 2004, written and directed by Mark Prebble. The movie follows Dr. Alex Sutherland (played by Michelle Ang), a PhD graduate who returns to her hometown to work as a postgraduate tutor at the local university. Alex soon meets and falls for the charismatic, yet immature, Ben (played by Christopher Brougham), who is the university's star rugby player.

Despite Alex's initial reservations about Ben, they begin seeing each other, and their relationship causes a stir amongst their colleagues and friends. Alex's best friend, Juliet (played by Mia Blake), warns her that Ben is a bad choice, but Alex ignores her advice and continues to see him. Meanwhile, Alex faces professional and personal challenges as she tries to juggle her academic responsibilities and her relationship with Ben.

As the movie progresses, Alex and Ben's relationship becomes increasingly complicated. They begin to have arguments, and Ben's immaturity causes friction between them, especially when he begins to feel threatened by Alex's intelligence and academic success. When Alex is offered a prestigious research fellowship abroad, Ben reacts badly, and their relationship reaches a breaking point.

In the midst of all this, Alex's attraction to Ben is futile, and she must decide whether to focus on her career or continue to pursue a relationship with him. Along the way, she learns some valuable life lessons and discovers what truly matters to her.

Futile Attraction is a well-written, well-acted film that explores themes of love, ambition, and personal growth. The movie's humor and light-hearted tone are balanced by some poignant moments, making it a relatable and enjoyable watch. The chemistry between Michelle Ang and Christopher Brougham is palpable, and their characters' journey is both engaging and authentic.

The supporting cast also adds depth and humor to the story, with Alistair Browning delivering a standout performance as Alex's stodgy boss, Professor Robinson. Mia Blake's portrayal of Juliet, Alex's sassy and supportive best friend, is also a highlight, providing much of the movie's comedic relief.

In addition to its strong performances, Futile Attraction features stunning cinematography that showcases the beauty of New Zealand's landscape. The film's soundtrack is also notable, featuring an eclectic mix of music that suits the movie's tone and adds depth to the story.

Overall, Futile Attraction is a well-crafted romantic comedy that offers a fresh perspective on love and ambition. Its relatable characters, witty humor, and poignant moments make it a must-watch for anyone looking for a feel-good movie with a twist.