During the promotional campaign for (500) Days of Summer, there was one thing that the filmmakers wanted to be clear about: it isn’t a love story.
In this quirky film, the romance between main characters Tom Hanson (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer Finn (Zooey Deschanel) is on a timer; soon to expire, no matter how much you want things to work out.

As depressing as the premise of the film is, it holds countless moments that allow you to almost forget that Tom and Summer are doomed. The film’s non-linear approach to storytelling becomes confusing at times, tricking the audience into thinking things have taken a turn for the better when they really haven’t.

But if you’re willing to put aside the fact that Tom and Summer will never end up together—and you’re not too concerned with following the exact timeline—it’s the well-crafted moments in between and the characters we meet that make (500) Days worthwhile.

Gordon-Levitt is incredibly fun to watch, especially as his character swings from morning-after-glow happiness (complete with animated Disney birds) to down-in-the-gutter depression. His on-screen chemistry with Deschanel is sickeningly adorable, most notably in a scene where they play around in IKEA.

Geoffrey Arend is hilarious as McKenzie, Tom’s co-worker and best friend, providing comedic relief at all the right moments, including one very drunk karaoke night. Tom and Summer’s workplace, a greeting card company, entertains some of the film’s more quotable moments (“Roses are red, violets are blue… fuck you, whore.”)

But take heed, lovers! The film is wonderful and adorable and hopeful but don’t be fooled by its whimsical soundtrack and smart casting choices—they were right when they said it wasn’t supposed to be a love story. If you’re able to put aside all your preconceived notions of precious indie art-film romances and just enjoy (500) Days of Summer for its characters, then you just might fall in love.

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