Every love story, including the most famous of all time, hides details that few know, and the irrefutable proof of this arrived at Star+ on October 14 with “ROSALINA”. The new film from 20th Century Studios that, with a current and comedic tone, brings a new version of the classic story, “Romeo and Juliet”, by William Shakespeare, focusing on a character little mentioned until then.
The new romantic comedy is narrated from the perspective of Rosalina (Kaitlyn Dever), the girlfriend Romeo (Kyle Allen) leaves when he meets Julieta (Isabela Merced). Heartbroken and heartbroken, Rosalina devises a plan to end the famous romance and win back her lover.
But… who is Rosalina? Where does she appear in Shakespeare’s story? How did this influence the love story of Romeo and Juliet? What is revealed about her in the new movie named after her? Star+ answers you! In the countdown to the premiere of “ROSALINA”, check below everything about the unknown ex-girlfriend who, in addition to being Julieta’s cousin, will soon give a lot to talk about.
Romeo and Juliet… And Rosalina
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There is no doubt that few remember Rosalina, Romeu’s ex-girlfriend. In “Romeo and Juliet”, Rosalina is a narrative resource that fulfills the function of justifying the presence of Romeu Montéquio at the Capulet party, historical enemies of his family.
At the beginning of the story, Romeo is in love with Rosalina, niece of Mr. Capulet. He had never spoken to her, but he admired her from afar and goes to the masquerade ball in hopes of seeing her. There, she also wants to confess her love for him, but before she can, Romeo meets Juliet.
This twist is the kick-off of the new Star+ exclusive movie. “The story begins after Rosalina can’t tell Romeo that she loves him too. This rejection is the impulse that drives Romeo to meet Juliet. We did not invent this event, it is present in Shakespeare’s original text. It’s what makes Romeo meet Juliet. And once they meet, Rosalina is never mentioned again. We thought it would be really interesting to explore what Rosalina thinks about it,” says Scott Neustadter, co-writer of “ROSALINA” alongside Michael H. Weber.
In the original story, Rosalina feels and thinks a lot about her mismatch with Romeo and her lover’s sudden fascination with Juliet. Her heartache makes her embark on a quest to separate the new lovers and get Romeo back. The result is a comedy full of fun characters, crazy situations and comedic twists that serve as a counterpoint to the tragedy of “Romeo and Juliet” known the world over.
Questioning the ‘status quo’
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The shift in perspective on events also allowed the filmmakers to delve into Rosalina’s character to reveal a set of qualities more typical of 21st century women. Weber describes: “She’s intelligent, strong-willed and intensely independent. But she is also romantic and wants to marry for love. She doesn’t want an arranged marriage between two families. She wants to venture out and have several discoveries, and not limit herself to the role that society assigns her”.
As the screenwriter indicates, Rosalina’s strong and decisive character modernizes the narrative, achieving an attractive combination between the classic elements of the story – such as its setting in the Renaissance Era in Verona – and the modern themes that are explored through the central character. Actress Kaitlyn Dever, who plays Rosalina, agrees: “She’s a feminist. Basically, she rejects all the gender restrictions of the time that affect her. She has progressive thinking. She is a committed person who wants to travel, have a career, wants passion and adventure. I think she defies the patriarchal world she lives in by refusing to accept an arranged marriage. She continues to express what she wants to do and fights for her ideals.”
Karen Maine, the film’s director, was also drawn to these traits of the main character and to approaching the classic Shakespeare story from a female perspective, concluding that: “Narratives about women presented in a way that feels authentic appeal to me. . For me, it is very important to show complex and real women on screen.”
“ROSALINA” is now available exclusively on Star+.