The newest relationship comedy film, “Oh, Hi!” directed by Sophie Brooks, promises a modern twist to the genre. With its intriguing setup and remarkable performances, notably by Molly Gordon, it meticulously captures the complexities of modern-day romantic relationships.
Brooks’ narrative moves deftly between humor and seriousness, and the film comfortably transitions from lighthearted scenes into the realm of drama and thriller. The movie’s strongest points are its charming characters and their intricately flawed relationships. The plot takes its time to fully unravel, with surprising reveals and intense emotional reactions catching off guard both characters and viewers alike.
The narrative follows Iris (Molly Gordon) and her boyfriend Isaac (Logan Lerman), whose idyllic getaway to an Airbnb in the countryside takes a jarring turn. What starts as a jovial exploration of their relationship against a seemingly perfect backdrop, soon descends into a complicated web of lust, jealousy and emotional strife.
The brilliance of “Oh, Hi!” lies in its exploration of behavioral patterns and personality traits that can make young dating relationships both electrifying and tumultuous. The script deftly handles misconceptions about reciprocal feelings, exclusivity, gender roles, and more, unfolding amidst the passionate attachment between Gordon and Lerman’s characters.
The arrival of Iris's best friend Max (Geraldine Viswanathan) and her boyfriend Kenny (John Reynolds), while initially promising a comedic reprieve, instead signals a swerve into convoluted and quite unbelievable plot developments.
Although there are thoughtful observations about the modern-day phenomenon of "soft boys," the film loses some of its initial charm and harmony as it progresses, with an ending that seems to sway between various genres and ends on an anti-climactic note. However, the films' memorable performances, especially from Gordon, make this film a watchable, although somewhat disjointed, exploration of modern dating.
