'Love Actually's Porn Storyline Is Actually The Purest Romance In The Movie

There are nine storylines in Love Actually, and almost everyone sends a questionable message about romance. There is one relationship, however, that seems genuine, and it's between the characters John and Judy, who meet while playing body doubles on the set of an adult film. Their meet-cute romance is just part of why the porn storyline from Love Actually might be its purest. While many of the characters in this holiday-themed movie already knew each other at the start, the audience actually gets to see John, played by Martin Freeman, and Judy, played by Joanna Page, be introduced. There are other couples who talk, but it's almost the only pairing where the two characters have a meaningful back-and-forth conversation, and it makes their relationship the most believable in the whole film.

Love Actually is considered by many to be a holiday classic. It was one of the first large-cast romantic comedies, and for fans, it's one of the most influential romantic movies. In recent years, Richard Curtis' creation has faced new scrutiny. Viewers and critics have had some serious issues with the film, and upon revisiting it's supposedly sentimental premise, you might have some questions, too. For example, why are all the women with complex inner lives, jobs, and family responsibilities condemned to a life of loveless despair? Why is Rick from The Walking Dead stalking Keira Knightley, and since when are we supposed to root for someone in love with his best friend's wife? The fictional President of the United States (played by Billy Bob Thornton) seems to sexually harass a woman. There's a lot happening in this film, but the only relationship that doesn't raise serious red flags is John and Judy.

In Love Actually, John and Judy meet on a porn movie set, where they introduce themselves. "He introduced me as John, but actually everyone calls me Jack," John tells Judy. "He got me right though, I'm just Judy," Judy replies. The filmmakers would then go on to list her in the credits as Just Judy (ugh), but we're invested even if they do have cute storybook names. John warms his hands before they start filming because he is considerate, and as they strip down for the run-through and casually chat about traffic, it's the best kind of awkward.

The big joke about John and Judy is in how they bond over mundane conversation while also completely in the nude, which is of course, not really that funny because being respectful and professional in a workplace setting should be a given. The two manage to have an earnest conversation in an uncomfortable situation, and while on set, the director orders the two body-doubles to shift mechanical nude poses and mime er, adult activities. Their scenes are pretty limited, but these two characters do seem to develop a nice relationship over the course of the film. When John finally gets up the courage to ask Judy out, the audience actually wants them to get together.

This isn't true for every couple in Love Actually couple, however, it's hard to criticize the sweet relationship that blossoms between John and Judy over the course of the movie. After the two wrap up working for the day, John walks his new castmate home. At her doorstep, they both stand there awkwardly, and it's one of the few moments in the film that feels relatable. John mentions that it's cold, and Judy mentions that her family is waiting for her inside the house. Then, right as John is about to leave the two finally kiss. Hooray! The couple do appear together later in the film, both at the Christmas show and in the final airport scene, so viewers know the relationship worked out. Given that they're the only two characters in the film to have clear and honest communication with each other, this shouldn't be too much of a surprise.

There are a lot of other reasons to love Love Actually. The cast is incredible; Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Colin Firth, Bill Nighy, Laura Linney, Keira Knightley, Martin Freeman, and even Chiwetel Ejiofor, who frankly deserved more screen time. Nobody expects a romantic-comedy to ask the deep questions or be one-hundred percent realistic (although, it would be better if they did), and lots of people love this movie in spite of its flaws. If there's any part of this movie fans can believe in despite criticism, it's the totally pure relationship between John and Judy.