Oh, Hi! (2025) - Film Review

      Oh, Hi!, 2025.

      Written and Directed by Sophie Brooks.

      Featuring Molly Gordon, Logan Lerman, Geraldine Viswanathan, John Reynolds, Polly Draper, David Cross, Desmin Borges, Jimmy Gary Jr., Tabitha Lawing, Ruben Ortiz, Diana Irvine, and Sabina Friedman-Seitz.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Iris believes she has found her ideal partner, Isaac, and they are enjoying their first romantic getaway together — what could possibly go wrong?

      In Sophie Brooks' Oh, Hi!, Molly Gordon portrays Iris, a romantic optimist enamored with Casablanca, who hasn't had much luck in dating. The recurring hindrance seems to be a lack of commitment from her love interests, who often claim they're not ready for a relationship. While vacationing in O’High Falls with Isaac, played by Logan Lerman, he conveniently reveals after a steamy encounter that he doesn't want to be in a relationship and has been intimate with others, despite the apparent chemistry.

      Following this revelation, Iris experiences a somewhat justifiable emotional breakdown, leaving Isaac tied to the bed while she rushes downstairs, frantically researching online how to make someone realize they might be in love with you—a manipulative strategy, to say the least. This outrageous premise has the potential to function as a dark romantic comedy, but the film quickly stretches this idea too far and introduces new characters and dynamics that push the narrative into ludicrous territory, ultimately undermining the film about 45 minutes in as it becomes clear there isn't a meaningful message regarding complicated or toxic relationships.

      There is something amusingly absurd about watching Iris navigate a checklist of activities to illustrate what a long-lasting relationship might entail, from preparing breakfast (she doesn’t even know if Isaac enjoys French toast) to helping him use a toilet while suggesting this is what their lives will be like when they are elderly and frail. The performances stand out, especially Molly Gordon, who embodies a frantic yet relatable character who lashes out due to her past and the fear of losing yet another connection, highlighting how relationships need to flourish at the right time. It's also plausible that Isaac is another commitment-phobic individual, grappling with insecurities, or a mix of both.

      The film's premiere at Sundance likely contributed to some of its appeal, particularly in the first act, which presents the story as a typical romantic comedy before revealing its true intentions post-encounter. While it may be clear that things will take a turn, the film begins with a hint of Iris’ friend Max (Geraldine Viswanathan, always a welcome presence but ultimately not adding much to this already stretched narrative) entering to address the ensuing drama. Sophie Brooks relies on elements of unpredictability regarding these characters' fates, but it becomes apparent that the conclusion will be goofy and utterly cringe-inducing, which it ultimately is.

      Even the comedic elements risk coming off as too absurd given the seriousness of the story, at one point involving the creation of a witchcraft potion. While it falls flat, the main issue is that, after a certain point, Oh, Hi! shouldn't be striving for humor. Nonetheless, it continues to spiral into a less favorable situation, culminating in a painfully predictable ending.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★

      Robert Kojder