The Rom-Com That's Crushing It On Netflix Right Now

A female-led rom-com is killing it on Netflix, and it's just as sweet and quirky as its title suggests. Banana Split, first released in September 2018 but hitting the platform in 2020, is a coming-of-age comedy about two high school girls who bond over the same, ultimately disappointing guy. And he's played by a Sprouse twin. If that's not enough, per Looper, the film hit the Netflix top 10 on July 28, 2020. And RogerEbert.com even gave the comedy three thumbs up, so what's not to like?

The film, directed by Benjamin Kasulke, centers on outspoken, bespectacled teen April, played by Hannah Marks (who gets co-writing and production credit, impressively). April is graduating and getting serious with Nick (a perfectly cast Dylan Sprouse), who seems like a promising guy — at first. Things soon get rocky between them, and as summer progresses, Nick starts posting Instagram pics with a new girl, Clara, played by Liana Liberato. April, devastated, ends up not becoming enemies with Nick's new flame but instead striking up a friendship. 

What makes this movie stand out from the Netflix pack, and why should you add it to your queue? Here's everything you should know about Banana Split.

Though Banana Split may sound like a dish you've tried before, the Netflix film is more original than you might think. That's because April (Hannah Marks) and Clara (Liana Liberato) don't stick with the cliche route of quarreling over who ends up with Dylan Sprouse's character; instead, their friendship takes an altogether more surprising, refreshing path. Will their bond become the most successful thing Sprouse has created since his Brooklyn Meadery, or will his character get between them in the end? You'll have to watch to find out, and viewers are loving it, judging by the response on social media.

"Watch Banana Split on Netflix it's lowkey rlly good," one Twitter user said. "I swear Banana Split should trend on Twitter. It's the first movie I've seen that glorifies a friendship over a relationship w a boy and I live for that." 

People are applauding the film's impressive leading female performances, and visually, its pastels and vintage colors give summer romcoms that perfect nostalgic feel.

Others online noted that the film even slightly veers into LGTBQ+ territory, with one Twitter user calling it "one of the gayest straight movies I've ever seen," adding that "2 female characters were in love, no question."

If your interest is piqued, you can check out Banana Split for yourself on Netflix.