When we think of romance and SF/F, our minds often go straight to romantasy. Yet speculative fiction and romance have a much longer and varied history. So if you’re planning to curl up with a book this Valentine’s Day, the editors and contributors of ImaginAtlas have compiled a selection of recommendations, from classics to underrated gems and strange affairs.
Carmilla, created by Jordan Hall, Steph Ouaknine, and Jay Bennett
Magdalena Nitchi
While nominally based on the iconic novel by Sheridan Le Fanu, this Canadian web series takes the concept in a very different direction. Laura is a first-year journalism major at an Austrian university whose roommate, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances, has been replaced by Carmilla, a philosophy student. As Laura investigates the strange events at their school, a relationship slowly develops between them, and the leads’ incredible chemistry makes viewers fall in love long before the girls admit to any feelings for each other.
Le lac des cygnes, écrit par Josée Marcotte
Clarence Robitaille-Meloche
Dans une ambiance d’horreur psychologique qui rappelle celle du film Black Swan, Le lac des cygnes de Josée Marcotte raconte un triangle amoureux classique sur fond de relations parasociales dangereuses et de paranormal suggéré.
Beren and Luthien, written by J.R.R. Tolkien
Catherine Hall
Before Aragorn and Arwen came Beren and Luthien, whose tale appears in The Silmarillio. When Beren, a mortal, declares his love for the daughter of the Elf King Thingol, he is tasked with stealing a Silmaril—a coveted jewel containing the light of the Two Trees—from the crown of the dark lord Morgoth himself. Regardless of which version of the story you read, Beren and Luthien are undoubtedly among the most memorable star-crossed lovers of 20th-century fantasy.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, réalisé par Michel Gondry
Samuel Trépanier
À la suite de leur séparation, Joel découvre que Clémentine a effacé de sa mémoire toute trace de leur histoire grâce à une procédure médicale. Procédure qu’il décide à son tour d’effectuer. Cependant, le procédé implique de revivre les souvenirs de la relation tout au long de leur effacement. C’est à ce moment qu’il réalise l’ampleur et les conséquences de sa décision. Le film explore les thèmes de la mémoire et de l’amour, questionnant les constituants les plus profonds de notre identité.
Contes de fées queer, écrit par Madame de Murat
Clarence Robitaille-Meloche
Aristocrate du XVIIe siècle condamnée à l’emprisonnement pour son lesbianisme, Madame de Murat a été redécouverte par ses contemporains et les contes qu’elle a écrits avec ses amies ont été publiés. Dans ceux-ci, elles utilisent la magie pour mettre à nu et dénoncer l’hétéronormativité présente dans les contes traditionnels et les histoires d’amour de l’époque.
Send Help, directed by Sam Raimi
Fred Azeredo
Sam Raimi’s triumphant return to gross-out horror, Send Help, is certainly not V-Day fare for the faint of heart. This desert island survival story starring a corporate drone and her failson boss starts with a gory plane crash and gets freakier from there, charting an unlikely (and deeply messed-up) romance along the way. But for those with strong stomachs and a taste for sharp satire of gender conventions, this is one bloodstained box of chocolates you shouldn’t pass up.
High Times in the Low Parliament, written by Kelly Robson
Magdalena Nitchi
If Kelly Robson’s description of a “lesbian stoner buddy comedy with fairies — about Brexit” doesn’t sound amazing, I don’t know what does. In this punchy fantasy novella, Lana is a scribe living in 18th-century London who gets pulled into the Low Parliament, where a hung vote threatens to lead to flooding and the death of every human in the parliament. Shenanigans, interpersonal drama, friendship, and romance ensue.
The Princess Bride, directed by Rob Reiner
Catherine Hall
This 1987 classic, adapted from William Goldman’s novel, The Princess Bride, is a perfect blend of adventure, romance, and comedy. Westley, a poor farmhand, falls in love with the headstrong Buttercup, yet the pair is instantly separated by a political conspiracy. What follows is a charming, timeless story full of witty dialogue and memorable characters. If someone suggests watching this movie this Valentine’s, you’ll be reminded why “as you wish” still resonates nearly four decades later.
The Shape of Water, directed by Guillermo Del Toro
Samuel Trépanier
Au sein de l’Amérique des années 60, Elisa, femme muette et ménagère d’un laboratoire gouvernemental, découvre une créature amphibie prisonnière du complexe. Une relation intime se noue entre eux, menant la jeune femme à faire beaucoup plus qu’elle ne l’envisageait. Le film se positionne autant comme un conte romantique qu’une fable politique abordant les notions de liberté et d’altérité essentielles aux rapports humains.