Start the story arguing that love is one thing, then prove it is the opposite. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind begins with the thesis: "Painful memories should be erased." It ends with: "I need the pain because it was real." The romantic storyline becomes an intellectual debate.

This trope leverages the thin line between intense passion and intense dislike. It works because it requires profound character growth; the protagonists must dismantle their prejudices and truly learn to see each other.

Today's landscape includes: