Love Actually remains a Christmas classic thanks to its star-studded cast, but fans are still heartbroken over the ending of one of its ‘nicest’ characters, as they discuss the film’s darker themes
Paige Freshwater Social Newsdesk Writer
14:51, 11 Dec 2025
Stars of Love Actually, pictured at its premiere in Paris on November 15, 2003(Image: Stephane Cardinale/Corbis via Getty Images)
It’s been 22 years since its debut, yet fans of Love Actually are still upset over a key character ‘not receiving the happy ending she deserved’.
The beloved Christmas film, which holds a 7.5 out of 10 rating on IMDb, is cherished for its interwoven narrative and star-studded cast – featuring Huge Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster, among others.
However, it’s Laura Linney’s character, Sarah, who has ignited a debate on social media in the lead up to Christmas, as fans express their disappointment over her storyline.
On Reddit’s r/flicks thread, one user queried: “So why did Laura Linney’s character in Love Actually not get to have a happy ending? I’m genuinely curious, because like every other character in the movie at least gets a bittersweet one, and she’s just left in the mud?
“It really stands out because I feel like she had it worst of all the characters and is the only character to have no retribution at the end.”
In the film, Sarah harbours a somewhat secret affection for a colleague, Karl, but the feelings aren’t reciprocated, leaving her heartbroken.
Despite this, she maintains a brave front whenever he’s around, even though she’s falling apart inside. She even manages to grow closer to him in the film – only to be hindered by her challenging family circumstances.
One user commented on the post, stating: “I think there’s a rule in Hollywood that no Laura Linney character is ever allowed a happy ending. The notion runs antithetical to her fantastic acting style.
However, others are glad that all the characters didn’t have a ‘happy ever after’. That’s not what real life is like, after all!
Another added: “Sometimes life sucks and not everybody gets happy endings?”
And a third said: “I didn’t think that Sarah’s relationship with Karl was going to end up being a healthy one, anyway.
“She was obsessed with him and his interest in her only seemed to be piqued by her obsession. I think the call from her brother interrupted something that was not going to end well for Sarah.
“My head canon is that Sarah does eventually end up with someone after the movie is over, but it is someone who is more grounded and will be a better and more supportive partner that she can lean on when things get difficult with her brother.”
