The Science of Rom-Coms: What Does Your Favorite Rom-Com Actually Get Right About Love? *Le Love Club collab!*
This is a collab event with Le Love Club, a social club that curates events and facilitates connection for love in all its forms. Instead of our normal Q&A, you can enjoy a post-lecture discussion where you're matched with other attendees based on compatibility. After registration, you'll receive a link to complete the compatibility survey. Please complete prior to lecture.
✨ What if your favorite rom-com has been teaching you about love all along—but not always getting the science right?
Join Dr. Paul Eastwick, Professor of Psychology at UC Davis, head of the Social-Personality Psychology program, and director of the Attraction and Relationships Research Laboratory, for a scientific look at what Hollywood gets right—and wrong—about love.
Rom-coms and romantic films have given us some of our most enduring ideas about attraction: love strikes like a bolt of lightning, women want commitment more than men, and somewhere out there is the perfect person just waiting to be found. But how well do these familiar stories hold up when we put them to the scientific test?
Drawing on decades of relationship research, Paul will explore what we actually know about how attraction develops, who seeks out relationships, and whether lasting love is more about finding the perfect match—or creating one over time. Along the way, we’ll put films like Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Barbie, Materialists, and La La Land under the microscope to see where Hollywood romance aligns with real relationship science…and where it takes a few creative liberties.
Paul Eastwick is a Professor of Psychology at UC Davis, where he heads the Social-Personality Psychology program and directs the Attraction and Relationships Research Laboratory. He is the author of Bonded by Evolution: The New Science of Love and Connection and co-host of the Love Factually podcast, where he and longtime collaborator Eli Finkel analyze rom-coms and romantic dramas through the lens of relationship science. He has published more than 100 scientific articles and chapters, and his research and writing have been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Boston Globe, and Science. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and his Ph.D. from Northwestern University.
Expect beloved movies, surprising science, and perhaps a few reasons to rethink everything rom-coms have taught you about falling in love. 🎬❤️🧠
🕰 Event Details
What should I expect?
6:30 - 7:30 : people arrive and chats
7:30 - 8:10 : lecture
8:10 - 8:50 : post-lecture discussion mixer with LeLoveClub
8:50 - 9:00: time to wrap up!
Who's invited?
Anyone with an interest in learning new things, meeting new people, and doing fun things on weeknights! Lots of people come solo to our events, so don't be afraid to do the same—you’ll meet some awesome people!
What about parking?
There's no designated on-site parking so we recommend street parking or using public transportation.
Do I have to be 21+?
No :) This venue is open to all ages. If you'd like to purchase alcohol, you must be 21+ and present a valid ID.
Will this event be photographed or recorded?
Photos and short video clips may be taken for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to being photographed or recorded. We do not do full recordings of lectures at this time.
🧾 Policies
The lecture is sold out! Can I join a waitlist?
Unfortunately, Luma does NOT support waitlists for paid events yet. We recommend checking back on the event site the day before / the day of the event!
What about refunds?
You can refund your ticket up to 24 hours before the event starts. Since this is a limited-space event, we encourage you to update your RSVP if you can’t make it—this helps us keep spots open for others. NOTE - you do NOT need to email us for a refund, we will issue one within 48 hours upon changing your RSVP to "Not Going" :)
What about accessibility?
We want our lectures to be as accessible as possible. Accessibility can vary depending on the space, so please research our specific venue to learn more about things like wheelchair access and service animal policies. If you have any accessibility needs not covered here, please email us at sac@bigbrainlectures.com and we’ll do our best to support you.
What about the ticket structure?
Every ticket sold goes directly back into the business. However, we want to make our events accessible to everyone. If cost is a barrier, please reach out for financial assistance by emailing sac@bigbrainlectures.com.
What about email updates?
By registering for this event, you’ll be added to the Big Brain mailing list and receive occasional updates about future lectures and events. You can unsubscribe at any time.
🧠 Community Guidelines
Big Brain events are designed to be welcoming, curious, and respectful spaces for learning and connection.
By attending, you agree to treat speakers, staff, venue employees, and fellow attendees with respect and to follow all venue rules and staff instructions.
Harassment, disruptive behavior, or excessive intoxication will not be tolerated. For the safety and comfort of everyone, Big Brain and the venue reserve the right to refuse entry or remove any attendee at any time, without refund, if behavior is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or disrespectful.
🍸 Alcohol & Safety
Depending on the venue, alcohol may be sold and served exclusively by the venue in accordance with California law. Big Brain is not responsible or liable for alcohol service, overconsumption, or any actions resulting from intoxication. By attending, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with a public indoor event and agree that you are solely responsible for your own conduct, safety, and transportation before, during, and after the event.
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Thanks for supporting our growing mission! 🧠✨
*For any other questions or special accommodations, please email sac@bigbrainlectures.com.