Love Factually

What does it mean to share your life with someone? How does sexual compatibility work? Can new relationships help us get over old ones? Paul and Eli consider these questions, and more, in their analysis of “Her,” Spike Jonze’s 2013 boy-meets-operating-system romance starring Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson. For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and edited by Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel. Music by Andrew Fraker and Sons Artwork by Katie Keil        

What are the consequences of believing in the idea of a soulmate? How do relationships develop from the first day to the last? How well does the reality in our heads match the reality in the world? Paul and Eli consider these questions, and more, in their analysis of (500) Days of Summer, the 2009 romantic comedy starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel. For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and edited by Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel. Music by Andrew Fraker and Sons Artwork by Katie Keil

How does passionate love feel? What does it mean to pay attention to each other? Are there distinctive characteristics in the emergence of same-sex attraction? Paul and Eli consider these questions, and more, in their analysis of Portrait of a Lady on Fire, the gorgeous period drama depicting forbidden love in late-eighteenth-century France. For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and edited by Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel. Music by Andrew Fraker and Sons Artwork by Katie Keil

Are some people un-date-able? What does attachment avoidance look like? How should we think about grand romantic gestures? Paul and Eli dissect 10 Things I Hate about You, the 90s attempt to modernize Shakespeare’s eternally controversial “The Taming of the Shrew.”  For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and edited by Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel. Music by Andrew Fraker and Sons Artwork by Katie Keil

Explore the worst ways to handle relationship conflict and how memory distortion impacts love. Discover the emotional journey of characters erasing each other from their minds yet inevitably reconnecting. Delve into the 'four horsemen' of negative communication and the dangers of escalating anger in relationships. Reflect on how memory shapes intimacy, identity, and future choices. Finally, evaluate the film's emotional depth and darker themes while considering the importance of shared experiences in love.

The hosts dive into the romantic dynamics of 'Before Sunrise,' exploring how attachment bonds quickly form. They discuss how self-disclosure and deeper conversations foster intimacy between Jesse and Céline. High neuroticism is examined in relation to relationship satisfaction, revealing its emotional impact. The importance of emotional bids and playful banter in deepening connections is highlighted. Additionally, intersections of feminism and romantic expectations are analyzed, showcasing the complexities of love, vulnerability, and honesty.

How do people compete to win someone’s affections? What are the less obvious reasons that people have sex? How do relationships and power intersect? Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers provides ample opportunity for Paul and Eli to examine these and other sexy topics. For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and edited by Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel. Music by Andrew Fraker and Sons Artwork by Katie Keil

Dive into the charm of a classic 90s film where romance meets comedy. Discover how attraction shapes and reshapes in unexpected ways, with themes drawn from classic literature. Explore the ethics of matchmaking and the evolution of romantic preferences beyond mere looks. Unwrap social hierarchies influencing relationships and how nostalgia interacts with modern values. There's humor and deep social commentary nestled within the light-hearted antics, making for a thoughtful journey into love and its complexities.

The hosts explore romantic preferences and the challenges of balancing career and relationships, all through the lens of 'La La Land.' They delve into unique narrative techniques that mirror the evolution of Mia and Sebastian's love story. The discussion includes attachment theory, highlighting how mutual support enhances connections. Themes of ambition, gender roles, and the complexities of romantic dynamics are examined, alongside a vibrant review celebrating the film's artistry and emotional depth.

Dive into the timeless themes of friendship and romance in a classic rom-com. Explore how Harry and Sally's relationship evolves over twelve years, challenging stereotypes about men and women being friends. Delve into the intriguing concept of the 'orgasm gap' and discuss the complexities of commitment in relationships. The hosts humorously uncover motivated reasoning in love and analyze modern online dating's impact on genuine connections. With insights on infidelity, this discussion weaves together the intricacies of love and connection.