Today, October 16, at 19:00, STB channel launches the 15th season of the Ukrainian romantic reality show 'The Bachelor'. This season, Ukrainian basketball player and former NBA player Viacheslav Kravtsov will be searching for love on the project. Viewers can expect introductions, dates, romantic gestures, and attempts to figure out who he wants to continue a relationship with after the finale. While Kravtsov's story is just beginning, the Styler editorial team has prepared a selection of six movies that resonate with key moments of the romantic show — from awkward first meetings to the decisive kiss and time-limited courtships.
When the 'Ideal Candidate' Sparks No Feelings
An introduction on a romantic reality show often starts with a checklist of requirements for a future partner: appearance, shared values, listening skills, and readiness for a serious relationship. But what happens when one candidate checks all the boxes, yet your thoughts persistently return to someone else? In the movie starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans, Lucy works as a matchmaker in New York and professionally pairs people up. She knows full well how much clients value money, appearance, and status. However, in her own life, her confidence wavers: a wealthy, attractive man enters the picture, while an ex-lover reminds her of feelings that defy rational explanation. For fans of 'The Bachelor', this is a familiar situation — a person who seems like the best match on paper doesn't necessarily spark the strongest feelings.
A First Date Without Rehearsals
Before making a serious choice, you have to get through the first date, avoid freezing up in conversation, and figure out if you want to meet again. In the comedy 'Hitch' (2005) starring Will Smith and Eva Mendes, Alex Hitchens helps men navigate their love lives, advising them on how to approach women, show attention, and avoid ruining a first impression. It seems this guy has anticipated every awkward moment. But when Alex falls in love with journalist Sara himself, his expertise no longer guarantees success. The movie makes for a great evening watch before the show's premiere introductions, especially if you enjoy those moments when prepared words are forgotten, a neat plan fails, and a person finally shows their true self without any rehearsal.
The Kiss That Changes Everything
After a successful introduction, you want a second date, and after a first kiss, it's easy to start imagining a shared future. In the Spanish comedy 'El Beso' (2015), the protagonist Javier possesses an unusual ability: by kissing a person, he sees how their relationship will unfold. You might think such a gift makes finding a partner easier. However, these visions only complicate matters when a happy future reveals itself with his friend's girlfriend. On 'The Bachelor', the first kiss often becomes a reason to predict who will reach the finale. This movie invites us to go further: would knowing the future in advance help us, and would we want to start a relationship where every twist is already known?
Other People's Eyes on Your Partner
Even a strong mutual attraction can be shaken if someone nearby is ready to explain in detail what is wrong with your partner. In the movie starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini, divorced Eva meets Albert and gradually grows close to him. Around the same time, she begins talking with Marianne, who eagerly complains about the flaws of her ex-husband. Eventually, Eva realizes they are talking about Albert. Their story recalls how easy it is to start evaluating a partner through someone else's eyes. In the context of a romantic reality show, where impressions and suspicions are constantly shared with other contestants and hosts, this theme is deeply recognizable.
Romance Where It Wasn't Planned
Sometimes feelings emerge where nobody planned for romance in the first place — without an extravagant introduction or an overt desire to impress. In the movie starring Jack Quaid and Maya Erskine, friends Ben and Alice find themselves stuck in a season of endless weddings. To avoid attending celebrations alone, they agree to be each other's plus-ones. Together, they listen to speeches, dance, joke, and observe other people's happiness. Gradually, their familiar friendly closeness takes on a new meaning. Such a movie will appeal to those who root for slow-burn relationships on 'The Bachelor': it's fascinating to watch the little details — how comfortable the characters are together, how they support each other, and how they start noticing more than before.
When Your Search for a Partner Has a Deadline
A romantic show has a finale, but it also has a set timeframe for making a choice. The final movie on the list takes this condition to an extreme, turning a limited deadline into the main driver of the plot and comedic situations. For viewers who follow 'The Bachelor' and worry whether the contestants will find their match before the final episode, this story serves as a relatable and lighthearted way to wrap up the evening before the premiere of the 15th season.
