Movie Review: A Rainy Day in New York (2019)
A Rainy Day in New York is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Woody Allen, featuring a star-studded cast including Timothée Chalamet, Elle Fanning, and Selena Gomez. The film captures the charm of a rainy day in Manhattan while exploring themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery.
Plot Summary
Gatsby Welles (Timothée Chalamet), a young, wealthy college student, plans a romantic weekend in New York City with his girlfriend, Ashleigh (Elle Fanning). However, their trip takes unexpected turns as Ashleigh, an aspiring journalist, gets caught up in an assignment involving a famous filmmaker. Meanwhile, Gatsby finds himself wandering the city alone, encountering Chan (Selena Gomez), the witty younger sister of his ex-girlfriend. As the day unfolds, Gatsby’s plans fall apart, leading him to question his relationship and what he truly wants in life.
Review
The film delivers the signature Woody Allen atmosphere—sophisticated dialogue, a nostalgic portrayal of New York, and a jazz-infused soundtrack. Timothée Chalamet shines as Gatsby, capturing his character’s mix of cynicism and romantic idealism. Elle Fanning plays the naive and ambitious Ashleigh with comedic charm, while Selena Gomez provides a refreshing contrast with her sharp and confident performance as Chan.
Visually, the film embraces a dreamy, romanticized version of New York, with rain-soaked streets and cozy cafes adding to the film’s aesthetic appeal. However, while the cinematography is beautiful, the storyline feels somewhat predictable, following a familiar formula of love, miscommunication, and personal growth. Some moments feel overly scripted, and the characters, though entertaining, can come across as exaggerated versions of Allen’s typical archetypes.
Conclusion
A Rainy Day in New York is a charming, lighthearted film that offers witty dialogue, beautiful cinematography, and strong performances. While it doesn’t break new ground in storytelling, it delivers a nostalgic, whimsical experience for those who appreciate classic romantic comedies with an intellectual edge.
⭐ Rating: 7/10
