Andrew Garfield & Amelia Dimoldenberg’s ‘Chicken Shop Date’ and Hollywood’s waning romance

Andrew Garfield’s appearance on Chicken Shop Date with Amelia Dimoldenberg has captivated fans, sparking conversation about Hollywood’s so-called “chemistry recession.”

With millions viewing the duo’s lighthearted exchange, some fans see it as a rare romantic spark missing in modern media. Critics argue that intense romantic chemistry, a hallmark of past classics like When Harry Met Sally and The Mummy, is fading in today’s movies and shows.

This decline has been attributed to changes in film production trends, where superheroes and action franchises dominate screens, leaving little room for classic romantic moments. Some viewers say this era lacks memorable romantic performances, citing the “will-they-or-won’t-they” tension between Garfield and Dimoldenberg as refreshing in a genre largely sidelined by blockbusters. COVID-19’s social distancing impact is also speculated to have deepened viewers' craving for authentic, intimate on-screen connections.

As Hollywood increasingly leans toward broad-audience franchises, many fans hope for a resurgence of films with genuine romantic energy, a desire that Garfield and Dimoldenberg’s viral date playfully underscores.