After the release of Disney’s Frozen, it seemed Hollywood was making headway in portraying strong, independent female characters who followed their dreams. This year’s main Valentine’s Day movie, Endless Love, however, takes us right back to the damsel in distress scenario depicted by countless other romantic movies.

A mere 10 days after first speaking to love interest David Elliot, Jade Butterfield throws away a prestigious summer internship for more time with her sweetheart. Not to mention the two slept together for the first time somewhere along those 10 days in her parents’ house while the rest of her family was asleep and, fortunately for them, oblivious to everything going on in the living room.

If that sounds uncomfortable, be forewarned. This is only one of the many cringe-worthy moments in Endless Love.
Jade Butterfield is introduced as a highly motivated and intelligent young woman, but as the story progresses, she fails to make one good decision after another. From inviting her boyfriend to her family lake house behind her parents’ back to breaking into a zoo and getting high, Jade is far from a role model.

Unfortunately, her lack of common sense and good decision-making skills affects her relationship with David as well. Jade seems to be the ring leader in all their wild escapades and even lets him take all the blame for breaking into the zoo when he is arrested, even though she coerced him into taking her in the first place.

If you’re looking for a sweet love story, Endless Love is not for you. It may, in fact, be better served to teach girls what not to seek in a relationship and the type of woman they should not aspire to be.