Courtesy of Sony Footage Classics
Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman are two of probably the most effortlessly charming actors working immediately, however even they will’t save “Oh, Hello!” from unraveling right into a tonal mess. Author-director Sophie Brooks begins sturdy, with a flirty, lived-in vibe as Iris (Gordon) and Isaac (Lerman) head to a lakeside cabin for what seems to be like a comfy, romantic weekend. There’s Dolly Parton karaoke, roadside strawberry stands, and impromptu scallop-cooking. (Who makes scallops on trip?!)
However simply once you assume you’re watching a Gen Z “Earlier than Dawn,” the film shifts gears, and never in a great way. With out giving an excessive amount of away, let’s simply say handcuffs are concerned. The movie makes an attempt a twisty, darkly comedian detour involving relationship expectations, miscommunication, and a bondage scene that derails the story totally.
There’s one thing to be mentioned about exploring mismatched emotional investments, Isaac thinks that is only a fling, whereas Iris clearly doesn’t, however the reveal feels each far-fetched and emotionally underbaked. They’ve been relationship for 4 months… and by no means as soon as talked about what they had been? That strains credibility, even for a rom-com attempting to go edgy.
At its greatest, “Oh, Hello!” flirts with a darker, “Instructing Mrs. Tingle” vitality which may have labored with a bolder method. As a substitute, it retains pulling its punches, not sure whether or not to lean into the psychodrama or retreat to quirky comedy. Geraldine Viswanathan and John Reynolds present up late within the recreation as involved associates, however even they will’t make sense of the more and more weird state of affairs.
Gordon and Lerman are recreation and produce a messy, scrappy vitality to their roles, however they’re caught in a movie that may’t determine what it desires to be. There are sparkles of perception, particularly when Iris vents about how arduous it’s to satisfy folks organically, however these threads are dropped simply as rapidly as they’re launched. “Oh, Hello!” desires to say one thing about trendy relationship, however as a substitute, you’ll be too distracted questioning how issues acquired this bizarre this quick.
OH, HI! Is now enjoying in theaters.