Forget Joanne and Noah in Nobody Wants This – we need to talk about Morgan and Sasha

As someone who has spent a considerable amount of time observing human dynamics, I find Morgan and Sasha’s relationship to be a fascinating exploration of friendship and attraction. It’s not often we see such complexity in the interactions between two characters, especially when one is as guarded as Morgan and the other as unapologetically flirtatious as Sasha.

Netflix romcom Nobody Wants This wrestles with some pretty seismic questions.

Would it be possible for you to accept and embrace your former husband’s new partner, who identifies as gay, as a part of our extended family following the conclusion of your 32-year marriage?

Is it advisable to become friends with your brother-in-law’s new companion, given that your former best friend is still nursing a heartache from the same individual?

Is there really a chance to recover from this unpleasant situation, or is it ultimately a fate that can’t be reversed, regardless of how fond we were of each other previously and the promising future we once envisioned?

As a film critic, I often find myself pondering: Is it acceptable to divulge the ending of a book to someone, even an adversary? Or does such a deed defy some unwritten rule among readers, summoning the spirit of Charles Dickens to haunt me for eternity?

Despite the controversy surrounding various popular subjects, this work primarily explores a question that lies at the heart of numerous beloved romantic comedies, such as Pretty Woman and Notting Hill – is it possible for individuals from disparate backgrounds to overcome obstacles and make their relationship last when societal norms and personal doubts stand in their way?

The predicament that both Joanne, an independent sex and relationships podcaster, and Noah, a prominent Rabbi with imminent prospects for promotion within his temple, find themselves in, stems from their contrasting spiritual beliefs.

They’re both keenly conscious of the significant differences in their backgrounds and perspectives, and there’s no lack of individuals eager to point out why they might not seem compatible on paper, using terms reminiscent of a reality dating show like Love Island.

And yet, you root for them, willing the pair to defy their critics and lean into their feelings, expectation be damned.

Although deeply engaged with the couple, I found myself becoming increasingly intrigued by the dynamic between their siblings, Morgan and Sasha.

Forget Joanne and Noah in Nobody Wants This – we need to talk about Morgan and Sasha

For the first time, they encounter each other outside Noah’s temple. Morgan was there to save her sister, who had secretly gone in to witness the rabbi perform, fearing another embarrassing incident with a seemingly unsuitable man.

But just before they’re about to head off, Noah emerges after managing to extricate himself from a horde of Jewish mothers who were trying to pawn their single daughters off on him – with Sasha in tow.

In the opening moments, I find myself behind the wheel, transporting an enigmatic quartet. As we glide through the cityscape, their peculiar yet captivating interplay unfurls – a dance that starts in one form, only to metamorphose into something entirely different.

At first, Morgan strongly dislikes Sasha. It’s worth mentioning that when Siri accidentally reads aloud Sasha’s private messages to Joanne in the car, messages containing words like “brutal”, an ogre reference, and vomit emojis for emphasis, her feelings towards him become quite clear.

She can’t hide the revulsion she feels, as he talks what Noah calls “nonsense”, even while they sip their Casitas.

Oh dear, I can’t let you go off with Sasha all by myself!” She exclaimed, feeling a twinge of unease at the prospect of being left in his company while Joanne and Noah step out together.

However, there’s a fleeting moment of something unclear, almost imperceptible, when they discuss Sasha’s “husband energy” that seems to pass between them, a subtle detail that can’t be easily categorized as either positive or negative.

“I’m wearing a wedding ring,” he says in response to her initial slight.

She retorts sarcastically, “Indeed, I’ve been avoiding eye contact with you,” she says, yet her gaze is fixed squarely on him, revealing an expression that’s a mix of menace and allure. It’s an unusual intimacy, given their brief acquaintance and constant quarrels since their first encounter.

However, it appears that their encounter has an impact because when they find themselves together again, this time at Noah’s house, where she is retrieving crucial information from her sister’s laptop prior to a significant podcast meeting, Sasha somehow subdues her. This incident showcases a more peaceful side of Morgan, which was previously unseen.

Forget Joanne and Noah in Nobody Wants This – we need to talk about Morgan and Sasha

Following his remark that they resemble “the less fortunate siblings”, he later adds that this observation seems less applicable when considering Morgan.

You’re incredibly sharp-witted and quick with your responses, it’s as if you’re constantly radiating charm. Your aura has an intriguing mix of sophistication and earthy appeal, making you quite captivating,” he remarks instead.

If he were making romantic advances during their interaction (which they are not), it would be similar to his behavior. However, Sasha expresses himself in an appropriate manner, showing genuine appreciation for her qualities, which prompts a unique kind of laughter from her that we hadn’t heard before.

In an unexpected move, Morgan, who typically seems stern and critical, softens her demeanor even around disliked individual, Sasha.

Soon enough, they started texting, and once more, Morgan’s expression indicated she wasn’t the least bit angry about it. Instead, she seemed quite pleased with their exchange, and without realizing it, he managed to insinuate himself into her inner thoughts.

In a rather peculiar and perplexing turn of events, I found myself in an unusual dreamscape last night, Joanne. To my surprise, it involved my brother. It’s quite unexpected, isn’t it? I’m still trying to make sense of it all.

And even though she describes it as “gross”, she’s smiling, giddy, even.

“I don’t get it,” she adds. “I’m not even attracted to him.”

But even though she’d deny it to anyone who asked, there is something bubbling away, even if Morgan herself can’t even articulate what, exactly, it is.

Absolutely, nothing romantic will develop between them. Any spark would immediately jeopardize the dynamic they currently share, and Sasha isn’t willing to risk his stability for a short-lived and incredibly uncomfortable romance.

It’s not the atmosphere we’re aiming for, and I’m doubtful that it’s something people genuinely want to witness.

However, the mystery surrounding their unique bond – its playful complexity – makes for delightfully engaging viewing and infuses an enticing depth into the storyline.

“But we’re friends, right?” asks Morgan when they’re alone in his car.

Sasha hesitates.

“Well, um. Yeah. Yeah, no, we’re friends,” he says, with very little conviction.

Under certain circumstances, such as if they were both unattached and had shared a few extra margaritas following an unexpected encounter at a bar, there might be some romantic development. Their interactions seem to hold a touch of banter that verges on flirting.

Perhaps I’m misreading things, but it seems Morgan might not be familiar with platonic friendships between men, relationships where there’s no underlying expectation beyond friendship itself. After all, the men in my life can be divided into three groups – family, work, and romantic interests – so this concept of male friends for the sake of companionship is uncharted territory for her.

Sasha’s current “friendship,” especially during this post-divorce phase where she’s actively using dating apps, feels unfamiliar and uncomfortable for her, leading to her own perplexity. I’m not certain if author Erin Foster is fully aware of their relationship or even wishes to explore it. Sometimes, it’s better to let things be undiscovered.

In our daily lives, there’s an innate desire for total clarity and stability across all domains, even when it comes to the television programs we choose to watch. We yearn for definitive explanations. It’s as if every piece of information should be meticulously organized and presented in a tidy package with a clear label.

Instead of avoiding the strange and unpredictable interplay between Morgan and Sasha, their relationship encourages us to appreciate the intriguing and sometimes bizarre twists that life presents. It’s within these peculiar instances that fascinating and even enchanting developments may unfold.

2024-09-27 16:13

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