Can a theory about bovine mating habits explain the complexities of modern human romance?
In short: In the 2001 romantic comedy Someone Like You, a heartbroken producer develops a pseudoscientific theory comparing men to bulls who lose interest after one encounter. This bizarre hypothesis becomes a media sensation, forcing the protagonist to confront her own cynicism and the reality of her feelings for a colleague.
Directed by Tony Goldwyn, the film adapts Laura Zigman’s 1998 book, Animal Husbandry. The story follows Jane Goodale, a talk show staffer who finds herself single after a sudden breakup with a new producer named Ray Brown. Left without housing, she moves in with Eddie Alden, a coworker known for his womanizing reputation.
Jane’s life takes a turn when she discovers an article on bovine sexuality, suggesting that bulls are biologically programmed to avoid repeating matings with the same cow. She adopts this concept to explain her romantic failures, writing a popular advice column under the pseudonym Dr. Marie Charles. The theory gains national attention, even as Jane’s personal life remains in turmoil due to Ray’s deceptive behavior and his secret relationship with their boss, Diane Roberts.
The narrative culminates when Jane publicly debunks her own theory during a live broadcast, admitting that men are far more nuanced than her simplistic animal-based model suggests. She ultimately rejects the cynical worldview she created, choosing instead to pursue a genuine connection with Eddie. While the film features a star-studded cast including Ashley Judd and Hugh Jackman, it received mixed critical reception, with some reviewers praising the lead performances while others criticized the script as generic.
Commercially, the movie debuted at the second spot in North American theaters, pulling in over $10 million during its first weekend. It finished its global run with a total gross exceeding $38 million. Despite the polarized feedback from critics, the film remains a notable example of the romantic comedy genre from the early 2000s, blending workplace satire with a classic search for emotional authenticity.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Someone Like You (2001 film)
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