‘Oh, Hi!’ Review: Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman Have Electric Chemistry in Sophie Brooks’ Twisted, Half-Great Spin on the Rom-Com

by

Greetings! Let’s dive into an alternate take: Hello, nice to meet you! This story commences much like a typical romantic film set in the picturesque upstate New York. The charming duo, Iris (portrayed by Molly Gordon) and Isaac (played by Logan Lerman), are both young adults. Iris is vivacious and cheerful, while Isaac is thoughtful and reserved. A hint of conflict arises when they visit a strawberry stand and the proprietress expresses interest in Isaac. Here, we observe the initial sparks of Iris’ unease and Isaac’s propensity for friendliness.

What if it’s Isaac who is bound instead?

This scene showcases one of the most delightful romantic comedy lovemaking moments recently displayed on the big screen. Gordon and Lerman share a captivating connection in their bedroom, exchanging humor while they move together. Iris is dominant during this interaction, leading the situation, and ultimately, by the end, both characters reach climax.

Initially, everything seemed perfect – we’d shared moments of joy, laughter, and intimacy for four blissful months. But then, came the unexpected blow: Isaac confessed he wasn’t seeking a relationship at the moment. In an instant, my world crumbled, leaving me in disbelief. I thought our bond was more than just casual hangouts and fleeting romance, but it appears I misread the situation entirely. Feeling hurt and furious, I decided to step back from our connection.

When Isaac is perpetually restrained to his bed, Oh, Hi! starts to unravel dramatically. Iris grows increasingly frenzied, arguing that she can help the man she’s pinned all her dreams on understand that he’s ready for a committed relationship with her. As things spiral out of control, Iris’ close friends Max (played by Geraldine Viswanathan) and Kenny (John Reynolds) drop by the house in an attempt to calm the situation down. Isaac has warned that he will contact the police, transforming Iris’ romantic dream into a horrific nightmare.

In a refreshing twist from conventional romantic comedies, Oh, Hi!’s underlying themes depart from the norm by portraying Iris’ modern dating woes in an intense emotional meltdown. With an eagerness that borders on fervor, she dreams of discarding dating apps for good and embracing a lasting relationship – something she’s yearned for. However, her enthusiasm blinds her to Isaac’s potential reservations about such a commitment. Despite his mature appearance and the suggestion of being boyfriend material, Isaac embodies the stereotypical millennial male: he craves emotional connection and physical intimacy but becomes anxious at the prospect of long-term commitment.

In the midst of our challenging circumstances, there’s an undeniable connection between Gordon and Lerman. Their energies seem to harmonize in a way that feels almost magical. Even amidst the gloom, a flicker of irrational optimism lingers within me, hoping against hope that they might find their way to each other.

In her second film, Brooks emerges as a fresh, intriguing talent in the realm of romantic comedies, drawing comparisons to Elaine May’s lesser-known gem, “The Heartbreak Kid.” The character of Iris, played by Gordon, carries reminiscences of Jeannie Berlin’s character Lila, with her innocent and naive demeanor. However, Iris is a complex romantic lead, whose insecurities stem from the isolation of contemporary life, adding a tragic vulnerability to her character.

Regrettably, the narrative – brainchild of Gordon and Brooks, scripted by Brooks – seems to falter midway, struggling to navigate its intriguing concept. The character of Isaac, though, appears somewhat underdeveloped, with the film failing to explore the depths of his reluctance towards intimacy and romance at such a young age. While there are suggestions that he’s just an old soul, too self-conscious for true love, these aspects could have been more fully fleshed out.

In contrast to the troubled relationship between Iris and Isaac, the happy pairing of Viswanathan and Reynolds serves as a delightful contrast. Even though they connected on Tinder, Kenny views Max as his soulmate, and it’s evident that she feels the same, albeit less openly expressed. They embody the modern fairy tale – having found each other through cursed apps, they are ready to embark on their journey towards eternal happiness. Reynolds is Brooks’ secret asset, making every scene he’s in shine and delivering every line with his soothing voice reminiscent of Kermit the Frog. Viswanathan, known for her roles in Blockers and Drive-Away Dolls, is a seasoned comedy actress for the studios now. She brings her signature wit and dry humor into every scene when required.

Among the cast members, Lerman stands out as a delightful surprise, showcasing his comedic skills that were scarcely seen in his past roles primarily focused on dramas and genre films. As time passes with Lerman confined to the bed, Isaac’s humor grows more pronounced, and his desperation becomes increasingly evident.

Although it has some storyline flaws, there’s plenty to appreciate in the movie “Oh, Hi!“. Its light-hearted script and engaging characters are likely to draw in young viewers and build its fanbase. At its core, it offers a poignant observation of a unique form of romantic solitude that resonates particularly with millennials.

Read More

2025-01-29 22:27