Most people have a couple of movie genres they are inclined to overlook, given the right conditions. If a film hits the necessary notes and fulfills it’s expected role, it’s overall quality often becomes secondary – it earns a thumbs up. The genres that frequently benefit from this leniency are those that streaming services, television networks, and direct-to-video producers eagerly embrace, as they can produce them affordably and effortlessly while still ensuring the audience remains engaged and satisfied enough to return.
Romantic comedies aren’t really our thing. We appreciate them when they’re well-made; some of the best are actually our all-time favorites. However, the poorly executed ones can be quite painful to watch.
We tend to hesitate before selecting one, particularly from Netflix, which has made an effort to revive the genre after it’s decline in theaters, but often prioritizes quantity over quality. Even having well-known, charming actors doesn’t ensure that the film will be engaging or innovative.
To say that Office Romance is a charming experience is an understatement. You can trust our opinion on this. The filmmakers, particularly Brett Goldstein, who is not only the co-writer but also the producer and star, have a keen understanding of what makes studio rom-coms so delightful, and they have successfully created a film that lives up to that expectation.
It might feel a bit unpolished at times, and we did miss the nostalgic glow of films shot on actual film that added so much to the classics of the past. Still, we have no real complaints. Throughout our viewing of Office Romance, we found ourself wearing a constant, joyful smile.
Office Romance Perfectly Captures The Essence of A Romantic Comedy
Office Romance benefits from setting up clear hurdles for it’s romantic leads. Daniel Blanchflower (Goldstein) is a British attorney who has moved to New Jersey to support his sister Lizzy (Jodie Whittaker), who has landed herself in prison.
Despite being overqualified, he takes on a role as the second-string in-house counsel for Air Cruz, a small but growing airline. The CEO, Jackie Cruz (Jennifer Lopez), is both feared by her employees and not taken seriously by the board.
As the daughter of founder and current board member Captain Jack (Edward James Olmos), she continues to be seen in that light, regardless of her accomplishments. Air Cruz enforces a strict no-tolerance policy regarding workplace relationships.
However, what’s crucial is that neither character begins the film with any intention of violating this rule. Jackie is almost wedded to her career, and she is perfectly happy with that. Daniel, on the other hand, is looking for a partner but firmly believes in keeping his professional and personal lives separate, to the point that he finds his American colleagues’ tendency to overshare quite perplexing.
When they first come together to tackle a frivolous lawsuit from a competing airline, their primary focus is simply to excel in their roles. This may seem fundamental, yet it holds immense significance.
Even if your goal is to adhere to a genre’s conventions instead of attempting to challenge them – Office Romance, despite making some bold decisions, stays well within the established boundaries – these elements truly resonate when they are rooted in character development.
Our desire isn’t merely for the characters to unite for the sake of it; we want to witness their evolution into their true selves through the relationship. When they inevitably face challenges, we want to see them actively decide to conquer the obstacles that threaten to separate them.
This film captures that aspect of the equation perfectly, at every turn. A defining feature of any exceptional romance is the electric energy that develops between two characters, whether they are irresistibly attracted to one another while the world tries to keep them apart, or resisting each other as circumstances pull them closer.
This is often attributed to the elusive chemistry between the actors (which Lopez and Goldstein undeniably possess), but it is equally a result of the writing and direction.
By genuinely engaging with their professional journeys and gradually increasing the stakes of their relationship, as if intrigued to discover where Jackie and Daniel will set their boundaries, Office Romance effectively evokes that sensation.
Equally significant, the film nails the comedic elements – and this is where it carves out it’s unique identity. While it has the framework of a classic romantic comedy and generally fits well within that genre, the influence of Judd Apatow’s era of Hollywood comedies is also evident.
Goldstein captures some of the she’s-out-of-your-league vibe in his portrayal, yet he remains true to himself, and the film boldly takes jokes further than you might anticipate. This unexpected twist jolts the narrative in a refreshing way, often followed by a segment that humorously restores a sense of normalcy, making it all the more satisfying.
The supporting cast shines brightly as well. Office Romance boasts a lineup of well-known comedic talents, each contributing significantly, even in minor roles. Betty Gilpin stands out as Sydney Bloom, Jackie’s devoted assistant and perhaps the ultimate workaholic, who is seen throughout the film heavily pregnant and adamantly refusing to step away from her job.
She brings consistent humor to her character, steering clear of the typical best friend stereotype by developing a chaotic, adversarial dynamic with Daniel. Truly, nearly every actor steps up and impresses when given the chance.
While we commend the film, it is far from flawless. The direction and cinematography come across as adequate, when one would expect them to strive for something extraordinary. The narrative does lose it’s way somewhat in the middle, and we question whether Daniel’s sister, a subplot that feels somewhat disconnected, is ever truly woven into the main storyline.
However, we find it difficult to focus on these shortcomings. Office Romance accomplishes it’s intended purpose and, more crucially for us, does so effectively. We look forward to seeing many more films like this one. You can stream Office Romance on Netflix.