Love Actually fans continue to share their heartache for a character who ‘never got the ending she deserved’ – but some viewers believe she was the one in the wrong
It’s been 22 years since its release – but Love Actually fans remain heartbroken over a key character ‘not getting the happy ending she deserved’. The classic Christmas movie, ranked with a 7.5 out of 10 on IMDb, is considered a fan favourite thanks to its intertwined story line and star studded cast – including Huge Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster, among others.
But it’s Laura Linney’s character, Sarah, who has sparked a discussion on social media in the run up to Christmas, as fan share her dismay over her story line. On Reddit’s r/flicks thread, one user said: “So why did Laura Linney’s character in Love Actually not get to have a happy ending?
“I’m genuinely curious, because like every other character in the movie at least gets a bittersweet one, and she’s just left in the mud?
“It really stands out because I feel like she had it worst of all the characters and is the only character to have no retribution at the end.”
In the movie, Sarah has a somewhat secret crush on a man from her office, Karl, but he doesn’t share the same interest, leaving her with a heavy, empty heart.
However, she puts forward brave face whenever he’s nearby even though she’s crumbling inside. And she even manages to grow closer to him in the movie – only to be thwarted by her difficult family life.
Commenting on the post, one user said: “I think there’s a rule in Hollywood that no Laura Linney character is ever allowed a happy ending. The notion runs antithetical to her fantastic acting style.
Another user added: “Sometimes life sucks and not everybody gets happy endings?”
A third user said: “I didn’t think that Sarah’s relationship with Karl was going to end up being a healthy one, anyway.
“She was obsessed with him and his interest in her only seemed to be piqued by her obsession. I think the call from her brother interrupted something that was not going to end well for Sarah.
“My head canon is that Sarah does eventually end up with someone after the movie is over, but it is someone who is more grounded and will be a better and more supportive partner that she can lean on when things get difficult with her brother.”
Sharing their view of the movie overall, another user added: “I will admit that I kind of like Love Actually.
“On a very superficial level, it’s kind of a fun, English, Christmas rom-com that was popular enough to kick off a series of knock-offs.
“However, when you take a step back it’s kind of dark. The message is basically that family sucks and you will only be happy if you meet your true love.
“Colin Firth’s brother has an affair with his wife. And the family of his eventual love interest (can’t remember the actress’s name) is presented as ignorant and gross.
“Emma Thompson’s brother, Hugh Grant, is the Prime Minister and is obviously busy running the country.
“But he’s also generally shown as not really being involved in her life. He only shows up at his niece and nephew’s school play because he’s trying to bone the assistant he had fired for being sexually harassed by Billy Bob Thornton’s US president. He has no idea that his sister’s marriage is falling apart.
“Andrew Lincoln and Chiwetel are best friends and like brothers. Except that Andrew Lincoln is in love with Kiera Knightly. Although it only goes as far as the kiss after the poster scene.
“And of course you have Laura Linney’s brother who is only ever really presented as a burden and an obstacle to her happiness.
Source: Mirror
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