Like, it's presented as this wholesome thing where Adam Sandler finds a creative solution to make his relationship with Drew Barrymore work, but if you think about this from her perspective it quickly becomes a hellish nightmare.

Realistically, she isn't truly able to consent to sex. Yet she wakes up every morning in a strangers house with a VHS tape playing where this random guy she does not recall ever meeting explains her situation. He claims to be her husband and the father of her children who she has no memory of ever having. If I were her, I'd very quickly assume I was drugged and kidnapped by some nutcase, then I'd try to flee the house in any way possible.

  • spring_rabbit [she/her]
    ·
    2 years ago

    Yeah I've seen videos of people who can't form new memories, but know that their loved ones are their loved ones and even if they can't quite remember if you're their mom, sister, or wife, they at least know that you're family and a safe person.

    I'm guessing this movie doesn't do that.

    • Mardoniush [she/her]
      ·
      edit-2
      2 years ago

      There's a bit at the very end where she "dreams" about him and remembers a song, but you need to show it a lot more.

      I know I'm using the comparison too much, but (Spoilers) in Light in the Piazza (the Musical, the movie is from the 50s and so a bit problematic),

      spoiler

      The main character has been developmentally frozen since age 12 from a head injury but in her mid 20s falls in love with a younger Italian man that doesn't recognise her outbursts and immaturity as a disability, but as a combination of language gap and cultural differences. It helps that his family is portrayed as...stereotypical loud arguing Italians in constant immature outbursts, at least at first. So she fits right in.

      Her mother, who believes that she cannot consent to such a relationship, spends most of the show trying to stop her, even as it becomes increasingly clear that her protection is what's freezing Clara's development, and that her love has sparked an intellectual awakening, culminating at the end, where she develops self control over her behaviour in a situation where pretty much anyone could be excused for melting down.

      In the end, she lets Clara marry in order for her to not have the certainty of happiness, but a hope. It's...kind of happy, but its always clear it still might all end in disaster. But the risk is worth it.

      They spend 90% of the show, worrying about if this is the best thing for Clara, and it's still left ambiguous. In 50 first dates the people protecting her are just getting in the way of horny guy.