Today marks the 15th anniversary of Love Happens, the 2009 romantic drama starring Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart. Released on September 18, 2009, the film offered a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and healing.
Directed by Brandon Camp, Love Happens follows Burke Ryan (Aaron Eckhart), a self-help author and widower struggling to move on from his wife’s death. During a business trip to Seattle, where he’s giving a seminar, he meets Eloise Chandler (Jennifer Aniston), a florist with her own complicated past. Their relationship begins as a slow, tender connection that gradually helps them both confront the emotional baggage holding them back.
Though the film received mixed reviews upon its release, Love Happens stood out for its touching performances and its more mature, nuanced approach to romance compared to other rom-coms of the time. The chemistry between Eckhart and Aniston was praised for bringing authenticity to their characters’ struggles, particularly the film’s depiction of grief and vulnerability.
The supporting cast, which includes Dan Fogler, Judy Greer, and Martin Sheen, added to the emotional depth of the movie, rounding out the ensemble with moments of humor and poignancy.
