The ‘Sliding Doors Effect’ in Romance Films: What if They Had Never Met?

Love stories often revolve around fate, serendipity, and the idea that two people are meant to be. But what if they weren’t? What if one small moment—missing a train, choosing a different café, or staying home instead of going out—had kept two lovers from ever meeting? This concept, known as the ‘Sliding Doors Effect,’ plays a powerful role in many romance films, shaping relationships through coincidence and choice.
Some films argue that love is destiny, while others suggest that timing and circumstance are everything. Let’s explore how ‘La La Land’, ‘Serendipity’, and ‘About Time’ use this idea to examine love, chance, and the fragility of human connection.
La La Land (2016) – Love, Timing, and Missed Opportunities
Damien Chazelle’s ‘La La Land’ is a masterclass in the intersection of love and ambition. Mia (Emma Stone) and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) don’t fall in love at first sight—they meet by chance, through a series of almost-random encounters. The film explores their relationship as they chase their dreams in Los Angeles, supporting and inspiring one another.
Yet, despite their deep connection, their love story is ultimately shaped by timing and choices. Sebastian prioritizes his music career, while Mia pursues acting. They push each other to succeed, but in doing so, they grow apart.
The Sliding Doors Moment
Imagine if Mia had never walked into the bar where Sebastian was playing. What if he had never honked his horn at her in frustration that first night? Would they have met some other way, or would their love story never have happened?

The Outcome
In the film’s dreamlike alternate ending, Mia and Sebastian share a perfect life together in a different reality—one where their timing was right. But reality tells a different story: they part ways, their love sacrificed for their dreams. ‘La La Land’ suggests that sometimes, love alone isn’t enough; timing and personal growth play just as big a role.
Serendipity (2001) – Is Love Written in the Stars?
Few romantic films embrace fate as strongly as ‘Serendipity’. Jonathan (John Cusack) and Sara (Kate Beckinsale) meet by accident while Christmas shopping, but instead of exchanging numbers, Sara suggests leaving it up to destiny. She writes her name in a book and tells Jonathan that if fate wants them to be together, he’ll find it again someday.
The film then follows their near-misses and almost-reunions, playing with the idea that love is guided by unseen forces. But it also raises a crucial question: How much of love is fate, and how much is effort?
The Sliding Doors Moment
What if Jonathan had never found Sara’s book? What if Sara had ignored her gut feeling and gone ahead with her wedding? Would they have stayed with the people they were already engaged to?

The Outcome
Against all odds, Jonathan and Sara find their way back to each other, reinforcing the idea that soulmates will always be drawn together. But ‘Serendipity’ also flirts with the idea that love requires faith—if either had given up hope, they might never have reunited.
About Time (2013) – Can Love Overcome Every Sliding Doors Moment?
‘About Time’ takes the Sliding Doors concept one step further—by literally allowing its protagonist to relive moments and change his fate. Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) inherits the ability to time travel and uses it to win over Mary (Rachel McAdams). While he initially rewrites their love story multiple times to perfect it, he eventually realizes that life isn’t about getting every moment just right—it’s about appreciating the present.
The Sliding Doors Moment
What if Tim never went back in time to “fix” his awkward first meeting with Mary? Would they have still fallen in love naturally? What if he hadn’t used time travel to orchestrate their relationship?

The Outcome
Unlike ‘La La Land’ or ‘Serendipity’, ‘About Time’ argues that love is less about fate and more about the small, everyday moments. Even with time travel, Tim learns that some things—like life’s impermanence—are unavoidable, and true love is built on the choices we make rather than cosmic forces.
The Power of Chance in Romance Films
Romantic movies thrive on the idea of fate, but they also show how fragile love can be. A missed moment could mean an entirely different life. Some films argue that love is written in the stars, while others suggest it’s shaped by personal choices and timing.
Take a look at your own life—have you ever had a ‘Sliding Doors’ moment? A chance encounter that led to something life-changing? Romance films capture that feeling, reminding us of how unpredictable, beautiful, and fleeting love can be.
Final Thought: Fate vs. Choice in Love
So, do you believe in fate, or do we create our own love stories? Maybe, like in ‘About Time’, the real magic is in embracing whatever moments life gives us.
—Silviya.Y