It’s general knowledge that Keanu Reeves has the action genre to thank for his illustrious career. But if we take all the kicks and punches out of the competition, there are some stellar gems in there, ranging from Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure to Always Be Maybe. Though his role was minor in the latter, it revealed a whole other side to the actor worthy of making heads turn. The humor flowed so effortlessly that it was easy to forget that he was one of Hollywood’s top action stars. Despite what he brought to the movie and its critical acclaim, it’s safe to say it has suffered from being heavily underrated in the realm of rom-coms.
Directed by Nahnatchka Khan, the film follows two childhood friends who reconnect as adults and start to wonder if they were meant to be all along. Critics and audiences alike praised the film for its stellar development, plot, and characterization among other things. But, it goes without saying that Keanu added a certain special sauce to the mix.
How ‘Always Be My Maybe’ Differs From Keanu Reeves’ Typical Movies
In the sea of Keanu Reeves movies Always Be My Maybe comes with a level of unconventionality. The world is accustomed to seeing his tough side, thanks to movies like Matrix, John Wick, 47 Ronin, and Constantine. But, here and there he’s dropped some out-of-the-box gems that show audiences his funny and lighthearted side. In the film, Reeves steps into a self-aware, slightly caricatured version of himself which comes off as equal parts charming and ridiculous. It’s a rare moment where he embraces full-on comedy by poking fun at his public persona with designer lenses, philosophical one-liners, and an over the top entrance that’s unbridled movie-star swagger.
While most of his films revolve around Reeves saving the day, this time around he steps into the shoes of a supporting player in Sasha and Marcus’s love story. Despite all that, he still manages to steal the show. His brief screen time injects a layer of absurdity that transfers your run-of-the-mill romantic comedy into something else entirely. All in all, this goes beyond being a cameo, it’s a glaring reminder that Reeves isn’t only an action legend, but a jack of all trades of sorts when given the chance to shine.
Keanu Reeves Impressive Brief and Funny Act is perfect for a Rom-com
As mentioned earlier, Reeves only appeared in the film for just a few scenes, but it’s safe to say that he makes every frame count. Playing a hilariously exaggerated version of himself, Reeves serves up a rom-com performance that’s as suave as it is ridiculous. Everything from his dramatic entrance to declarations like “I missed your thighs,” is perfect in terms of the timing, tone and over all self-parody.
While everyone loves seeing Keanu Reeves deliver roundhouse kicks and punches, Always Be My Maybe is a refreshing break from his stoic persona. What really sells the brief is his absolute commitment to the part. He’s not just there to lazily wink at the audience and serve up dazzling smiles. He immerses himself in the character, injecting over-the-top sincerity into every line. He doesn’t just beef up the comedy, his presence also does wonders for the film’s emotional core. He adds just the right amount of tension between Sasha and Marcus in a way that’s not simply funny, it’s meaningful.
‘Always Be My Maybe’ is a Movie Critics’ Pleaser that fell Under the Radar
Always Be My Maybe served up everything you’d want from a modern rom-com when you consider its charming leads, sharp humor and fresh cultural perspective. It’s safe to say that Reeves’ hilarious cameo helped the film trend online, but there was so much more in the mix that really sold the brief. In most circles, the movie was praised for its authentic representation of Asian-American love, the painfully human and relatable dynamic between Sasha and Marcus, as well as some of the best quips out there. It was no surprise that critics responded to it warmly, case in point, it holds an impressive 89% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Despite all its critical praise and cultural buzz, Always Be My Maybe didn’t quite sweep the awards circuit. It received six nominations, bringing home just one win for Best Original Song at the 2020 Chicago Indie Critics Awards. In more ways than one, the film is a hidden gem seeing as it was hugely celebrated by viewers but underrecognized on a mainstream level. Even The Guardian and The Hollywood Reporter offered mixed reviews, with Mediaversity calling it “awkward” yet praising its core strengths. Despite this, the film continues to gain love for its warm storytelling and unforgettable moments. It may not have grabbed every trophy, but it definitely earned a lasting place in modern rom-com history.
Watch Keanu Reeves defy expectations, Always Be Maybe is available to stream on Netflix.
