My Top Three Romantic Movie Moments and How They Inspire Me

I was recently chatting with my mom about our favorite rom coms. As we were talking, I realized I take a lot of inspiration from film and T.V. when writing my novels. Some of my favorite media has informed not only my writing style, but how I think about love in general. And, of course, I can't keep anything to myself, so now I'm telling you about it!

FYI - This is post is riddled with little spoilers. So if you haven't seen these titles stop now. Go watch them. I promise they are worth every minute. Then come back so we can discuss.

1. The Hand Flex - Pride & Prejudice (2005)

If you’re a fan of Pride & Prejudice, you know exactly what I’m talking about. If you're not, I think you're beyond saving. Sorry. But about 30 mins (maybe) in there's this scene. And it has stayed with me for years. The moment when Mr. Darcy helps Elizabeth into the carriage and then flexes his hand after touching her…it’s everything.

The yearning, the subtlety, and the cultural context all blend together to create a moment that is so charged with emotion yet so understated.

Capturing this in prose can be difficult. It often means I find myself describing the most minute details, but I like to think all those little details eventually add up to love. And that kind of nuance is what I strive for in every couple I write. Where a single touch can convey a world of meaning. It's what I live for as a romance writer.

2. The "Dimple" in the Car - Just Wright

In Just Wright, there’s a moment when Common's character leaves the "dimple" in Queen Latifah's old, beat-up car after having it restored for her. It’s such a small, seemingly insignificant detail to others, but it says so much about how well he knows her. He sees what matters to her, and he honors it.

Is there anything more romantic than having someone truly know you, through and through? To me, these moments are how you build a real emotional connection. Another all-time fav example of this is when Syd widens the margins for Carmy without saying anything because she knows he writes in them (The Bear, Season 3).

Those moments of unspoken communication are so beautiful. And such a simple way to sprinkle little bits of love in your writing. I strive to ensure that all my characters have that deep, emotional bond. And if I can't find that connection, I go back to the drawing board.

3. Charlotte's Love Declaration - Queen Charlotte

I know this is technically T.V. but it's short enough I'm going to call it a long movie 🤫 And it's too good not to mention.

If you haven’t seen Queen Charlotte yet, you must literally live in a cave. In fact, is this your first time on the internet? Because surely if it wasn't, you would have already seen this masterpiece. But if you have seen it, you may know where I'm going with this.

"I will stand with you between the heavens and the earth. I will tell you where you are!" - Charlotte, Queen Charlotte

Are you kidding me?! Who came up with that? It is single-handedly one of the most powerful love declarations I’ve ever heard. The idea that someone will defy the universe, fate, and destiny because they love you? That's what I live for! That's what I write for.

It’s also crucial for me, especially for my black and brown heroines, to be loved out loud—boldly and without reservation. So one thing you can bet on, is that my books will always have a heart-wrenching love declaration that leaves no doubt in the reader’s mind. Consider it a Moreau classic.

This is also why fantasy romance in particular is so appealing to me. I like a love that has high stakes! Anybody can quit their job and move across the country to be with you. Or chase you down through an airport. But how many people will face death, fight demons, and alter the fabric of time for the simple pleasure of loving you?

(Yes, I have high expectations. I'm a Virgo, sue me.)

Anyways, I'd love to know what some of your fav romantic movie moments are. Drop them in the comments if you feel so inclined.

Until next time,

Have fun.

Be safe.

Feel good.

R. A. Moreau

[Note: I will not be accepting criticism of my categorization of Syd and Carmy at this time. I know what I've seen. I am not crazy 🤫]