Enemies-to-Lovers Tale Turns Into a Beautiful, Slow-Burn Romantic Drama — Review

Good romances are hard to come by, especially in this day and age. It feels like every year, we are grieving the heyday of ‘90s and early 2000s that gave us masterpieces like Before Sunrise, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mindand In the Mood for Love — tales that made us swoon and broke our hearts in equal measure. Writer/director Stephanie Ahn is doing her part to bring that kind of film back with her debut feature, Bedford Parkthrough a Korean-American lens.

What Is ‘Bedford Park’ About?

Sundance 2026

Image via Sundance

Bedford Park first introduces us to Audrey (Moon Choi), an unfulfilled physical therapist who tries to fill the void in her life by having kinky, meaningless sex. She’s haunted by her difficult childhoodhaving grown up with a demanding mother obsessed with appearances and a strict alcoholic father, who still resents the fact that immigrating from the US to Korea meant losing his career. If that weren’t enough, Audrey also stresses about her irresponsible brother and struggles with the fact that she’s unable to have kids.

We then meet Eli (Son Sukku), a thirty-something community college student who spends his days looking out for his elderly neighbors and hooking up with his younger classmate. Eli had a rough upbringing as well, having been taken in by a white family after his mother died at the age of 10. A talented wrestler, Eli gave up on his athletic dreams after an accident caused by his abusive father and brother figures, leaving him aimless and attempting to hide from his painful pastincluding his young daughter.

After Eli gets into a car accident involving Audrey’s mother, the two of their worlds collide. Going back home to help care for her mom, Audrey is thrown back into the environment that traumatized her, and Eli’s detached ways are tested when he’s forced to communicate with Audrey and her family to resolve the insurance issues. Through all the obstacles, however, there’s a chance that this suboptimal situation will turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Aubrey and Eli have similar wounds, after all — together, they might just be able to begin healing them.

‘Bedford Park’s Strongest Aspect Is Its Sensitive, Slow-Burn Romance

The dynamic between Audrey and Eli is by far the most compelling part of the film, employing the enemies-to-lovers trope to great effect. Their first meeting comes when Audrey’s mother insists on bringing a fruit basket to Eli — an act of generosity that makes him instantly suspicious that she’s trying to unfairly shirk some of the responsibility onto him and avoid paying any damages. Maintaining that he was innocent in the accident, he refuses the gesture, which infuriates Audrey’s mother and ends with Audrey tossing the fruit on his door and smashing it on his windows. It’s a much-needed moment of levity and comedy as much as it is a catharsis — Choi does an excellent job of depicting the long-marinating frustration and rage simmering under Audrey’s surface, so any moment it’s allowed to be released feels therapeutic.

Their relationship, however, soon turns into something softer and more intimate when Audrey has a medical emergency during a confrontation at his house, forcing her to be more vulnerable and him to step up and care for her. Touched by the kindness — and needing to get out of the suffocating setting of her house — Audrey volunteers to act as Eli’s chauffeur while his car is out of commission. It’s then that they begin to find their common ground and support one another.

Their chemistry is the soft and quiet type — the kind that doesn’t always need words. In fact, the most beautiful moments are the silent ones, like when they’re listening to a song in the car or when Eli touches Audrey to demonstrate a wrestling move. The beats of jealousy, while easily overdramatized in some films, are refreshingly real and grounded here, and the conversations where they bond over their shared culture serve to deepen both the dynamic as well as the film’s voice. Audrey and Eli’s connection hits even harder once some history between the two is revealed via flashbacks, making it seem as if destiny and fate are at play.

‘Bedford Park’ Presents Many Interesting Ideas but Doesn’t Develop Them Deeply Enough

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Image via Sundance

Bedford Park introduces several interesting subplots, from Audrey’s suppressed passion for photography to Eli’s daughter and relationship with his family, but the film doesn’t devote enough time to developing them. The ending hinges on us being invested in these storylines, but because they’re thinly sketched, the conclusion ends up coming off as rushed and not altogether satisfying. While the flashbacks are crucial in giving us some key background information, the fact that they’re all presented in a chunk towards the beginning of the film instead of being spread more evenly throughout makes them feel a little random and rather obviously telegraph a reveal at the end.

While the subtlety in how the characters process their emotions is authentic, considering their upbringing and the topics of self-harm are handled accurately, and with nuance and care, I found myself craving more conversations between Audrey and Eli concerning parenthood. Though Audrey’s fertility struggles are clearly a sore spot, we don’t know if motherhood itself is something she is truly mourning and desiring. Though a relatively absent dad, Eli visibly cares for his daughter and tries to be there for her in his own ways, but we don’t see him outwardly grapple with how his own biological and adoptive paternal figures impacted this. Bedford Park is interested in exploring how generational trauma impacts its protagonists, so not leaning harder into these particular conversations and topics feels like a missed opportunity.

Ahn’s feature debut is ultimately a beautiful, sensitive love story showcasing the healing power of unexpected human connection. Anchored by Choi and Sukku’s understated, confident performances, it’s a quiet gem of a film that is sure to resonate with those who need it most. While slightly underdeveloped in areas, it’s still a lovely, moving way to spend two hours.

Bedford Park premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.

Release Date

January 24, 2026

Runtime

121 minutes

Director

Stephanie Ahn

Writers

Stephanie Ahn

Producers

Chris S. Lee, Gary Foster, Russ Krasnuff, Son Suk-ku, Theresa King-Lowe.

Cast

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Pros & Cons

• The romance between Audrey and Eli is developed beautifully, going from a comical enemies-to-lover situation to something sensitive and deep.
• Moon Choi and Son Sukku have excellent chemistry, making their dynamic believable.
• The conversations around Korean-American identity are refreshing and authentic.

• Some of the subplots feel underdeveloped.
• The film misses an opportunity by not diving more deeply into how generational trauma affects the characters as parents.

What makes the enemies-to-lovers trope so compelling to readers?

Enemies-to-Lovers: When Friction Fuels the Flames – A deep Dive

The enemies-to-lovers trope is a cornerstone of romantic fiction, consistently captivating audiences across genres. But what elevates a simple antagonistic pairing to a truly compelling, slow-burn romance? It’s more than just witty banter and simmering tension; it’s about carefully constructed character arcs, believable motivations, and a gradual unveiling of vulnerability. This review explores the elements that make this dynamic so enduring, and highlights examples where it’s executed brilliantly.

The Anatomy of Antagonism: Why Do We Root for the Hate?

Initially, the animosity needs to be genuine. Superficial dislike rarely sustains a narrative. We need to understand why these characters clash.Is it a clash of ideologies? A past betrayal? A competitive rivalry? The stronger the initial conflict, the more satisfying the eventual shift.

Consider these common foundations for antagonism:

* Opposing Goals: Characters striving for mutually exclusive outcomes.

* Misunderstandings & Assumptions: Built on faulty perceptions,creating immediate friction.

* Social Barriers: Class differences, family feuds, or societal expectations driving them apart.

* Professional Competition: Rivalries in the workplace or within a specific field.

The key is to avoid making either character purely “evil.” Even the antagonist needs relatable qualities, even if buried beneath layers of defense. This allows for empathy and the possibility of change.

The Slow Burn: Building Tension,Layer by Layer

The “burn” in slow-burn romance isn’t about delaying gratification; it’s about earning it. Rushing the romantic connection diminishes the impact. The most effective stories utilize a gradual progression of emotional intimacy.

Here’s how that unfolds:

1. Forced proximity: Situations that require the characters to interact, despite their dislike. Think shared missions, accidental cohabitation, or unavoidable professional collaborations.
2. Reluctant Respect: Observing admirable qualities in the “enemy” – intelligence, courage, kindness (even if hidden). This is the first crack in the armor.
3. Shared Vulnerability: Moments where characters reveal their weaknesses or past traumas, fostering empathy and understanding.
4. The Shift in Outlook: A realization that initial judgments were flawed, leading to a re-evaluation of the other person.
5. Testing the Waters: Small gestures of kindness, tentative flirtation, and a growing awareness of physical attraction.

This process isn’t linear. There will be setbacks, misunderstandings, and moments where the characters almost revert to their initial animosity.These obstacles are crucial for maintaining tension and realism.

Beyond the Kiss: Sustaining the Romance Post-Confession

the confession of feelings isn’t the finish line; it’s a turning point. A well-developed enemies-to-lovers story doesn’t simply resolve the conflict with a passionate embrace. It explores the challenges of building a relationship after overcoming important obstacles.

* addressing Past Hurts: Genuine apologies and a commitment to rebuilding trust are essential.

* Navigating External Pressures: Dealing with disapproval from friends, family, or society.

* Maintaining Individuality: Ensuring that the relationship doesn’t erase the characters’ unique identities.

* Continued Growth: The characters should continue to evolve, both individually and as a couple.

Real-World Echoes: The Psychology Behind the Appeal

The enduring popularity of the enemies-to-lovers trope isn’t accidental. It taps into basic psychological principles. The initial conflict creates a heightened emotional state,making the eventual connection feel more intense and rewarding. The process of overcoming obstacles mirrors real-life relationship challenges, offering a sense of catharsis and hope.Moreover, the dynamic allows for exploration of complex themes like forgiveness, redemption, and the power of vulnerability.

Case Study: Pride and Prejudice – The Original Slow Burn

Jane Austen’s pride and Prejudice remains the gold standard for this trope. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy’s initial animosity stems from societal prejudices and misjudgments. Their journey to understanding and affection is a masterclass in slow-burn romance. Austen expertly utilizes witty dialogue, social commentary, and internal monologues to reveal their evolving perspectives. The forced proximity of social events and Darcy’s eventual acts of selfless kindness gradually chip away at Elizabeth’s prejudice, while Elizabeth’s self-reliant spirit challenges Darcy’s pride. The novel’s enduring appeal lies in its realistic portrayal of human flaws and the transformative power of love.

Tips for Writers: Crafting a Compelling Enemies-to-Lovers Story

* Deep Dive into Backstory: Give your characters compelling histories that inform their present-day conflicts.

* Show, Don’t Tell: Illustrate the animosity through actions and interactions, rather than simply stating it.

* Subvert Expectations: Don’t be afraid to challenge genre conventions and create unique twists.

* Focus on Internal Conflict: Explore the characters