Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again delivers just about everything a Mamma Mia! sequel can bring to the table: more ABBA, more bell-bottoms, more Cher. The musical sequel offers, as V.F.s own Richard Lawson put it in his review, “uncomplicated joy in complicated, despairing times.” So, to be clear, this is not me bashing the film. If anything, its me imploring the powers that be to give us another movie, this time delivering the one thing that both Mammas Mia neglected to give us the first time around: a love story worthy of the stammering, impeccably coiffed fox that is Colin Firths Harry Bright. O.K., maybe not another movie—but even a short film or music video would do the trick.
In the original musical upon which Mamma Mia! is based, Harry establishes that he is gay—and in the films, hes also shown to be attracted to men. In the first movie, he notes that Meryl Streeps Donna was the first and last woman he ever loved—then finds romance with one of his daughters wedding guests. (Excellent pickup game, Harry.) The sequel, however, finds him still single, 10 (or . . . some number of) years later.
When asked during a business meeting if he has any family, Harry wistfully replies that he has a daughter. Apparently, theres no one else in his life. Perhaps Harry has voluntarily chosen singledom; either way, as a moment later in the film in which he ties himself to a chair winkingly implies, Harry might get into a little light bondage in his spare time. So at least we know hes not totally wanting for company. (Also, those who stick around for the after-credits scene will know that Harry has at least one more admirer in this film as well—whether or not he reciprocates that affection.
Still, in a film that celebrates romance between basically all of its characters, its kind of a bummer to see the franchises one openly gay character remain perpetually single. By the end of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, basically everyone else is paired off. Harrys maybe-daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) has Sky (Dominic Cooper), her once and future beloved; Chers grandmother character, Ruby, has her long-lost love, Fernando (Andy Garcia); Stellan Skarsgårds outstanding Swede character, Bill, has Rosie (Julie Walters). Pierce Brosnans character, Sam, had Donna—you know, before she died. Even Christine Baranskis Lothario, Tanya, gets implicitly paired off by the end—with a very unexpected guest star. Harry, meanwhile, is left to revel in everyone elses happiness—although he and Bill do, at one point, share a Titanic-spoofing moment that will stand as one of the films greatest highlights.
It could easily be a coincidence that Harry doesnt get a romance—but doesnt he deserve better? As the security guard on the docks notes, age becomes him—like a fine wine or cheese. Harry is handsome, intelligent, kind, well-off, and most importantly, one degree of separation from Cher. If he cant find true love out there, what hope is there for the rest of us?
Get Vanity Fairs HWD NewsletterSign up for essential industry and award news from Hollywood.Laura BradleyLaura Bradley is a Hollywood writer for VanityFair.com.
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