This Valentine’s Day, the picture of romance might not be so rosy. Toxic relationships are becoming increasingly popular in today’s pop culture.
One of the steamy films grabbing attention is the new adaptation of “Wuthering Heights,” starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, set to debut on February 13. The film explores the tumultuous relationship between Cathy (Robbie) and Heathcliff (Elordi), rooted in the original 1847 novel, which, while destructive, is marketed as a love story.
On the television front, Hulu’s “Tell Me Rise,” now in its third season, continues to captivate audiences with the troubled love story of Lucy (Grace Van Patten) and Stephen (Jackson White).
Additionally, Ryan Murphy’s newest series, “Love Story,” which dramatizes the tumultuous romance of John F. Kennedy Jr. (Paul Kelly) and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy (Sarah Pidgeon), is set to premiere on February 12 at 9 p.m. on FX and Hulu.
“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying fiction, as long as you know it’s not just about wishful thinking,” explains Laura Berman, Ph.D., a relationship therapist and host of the “Love Language Podcast.” She points out that the allure of toxic relationships on screen is linked to a universal fascination with chaos.
According to Berman, the phenomenon can be traced back to the rise of reality television. She refers to this allure as “repetition compulsion,” where individuals crave the type of love they’ve missed out on, or the love that wasn’t returned, and ultimately connect with characters that reflect this experience.
“It’s pretty obvious why this theme is prevalent right now,” Berman notes. “We seem to be in an era of emotional burnout. People are either searching for distractions or feeling a bit numb.”
She adds, “Toxic love stories really thrive in this climate. Intensity can often feel like intimacy, especially when the world feels uncertain.”
Relationship expert Dr. Jackie Del Rosario shares similar sentiments, assuring that the current obsession with toxic romances in entertainment isn’t as worrisome as it may seem. “If we can leverage these stories for meaningful conversations, that’s a positive outcome,” she states. “Discussing it raises awareness about healthy relationships and gives people valuable insights.”
Del Rosario believes the topic remains timeless because people continuously seek connection and love. Hence, intrigue surrounding dysfunctional romances persists, as many don’t end well.
Berman warns about potentially dangerous misconceptions, where audiences might blur the lines between cinematic drama and real-life expectations. She hopes works like “Wuthering Heights” prompt viewers to introspect on their own relationship desires and needs.
Toxic romances linger in culture partly because they activate dopamine—a brain chemical linked to reward, much like the effects of drugs or social media interactions. Berman notes that society has become quite accustomed to craving those dopamine boosts.
“Those dopamine centers can light up from thrilling, adventurous situations, not just from fear-inducing ones,” she explains, adding, “In toxic relationships, your brain gets hooked on a cycle of love and emotional highs that can be addictive.”
