Film Review – You’re in a Relationship with a Narcissist! (2026)

      You’re Dating a Narcissist!, 2026.

      Directed by Ann Marie Allison.

      Starring Marisa Tomei, Sherry Cola, Ciara Bravo, Marco Pigossi, José María Yázpik, Lily Donoghue, Kelsey Lea Jones, Judy Kain, Ashley Nichols, Emily Chapman, Dennis Tong, Marcus Emanuel Mitchell, and Jonah Platt.

      SYNOPSIS:

      An outspoken psychologist rushes to Los Angeles with her best friend to prevent her lovesick daughter from marrying, suspecting the groom is a narcissist.

      Marisa Tomei portrays Judy, an expert in recognizing textbook narcissism. When she discovers that her 22-year-old daughter Eva (Ciara Bravo) is about to wed a seemingly perfect doctor (Marco Pigossi) after a brief courtship, it sets the stage for writer/director Ann Marie Allison’s unconventional romantic comedy, You’re Dating a Narcissist!.

      Initially, the film appears to have a clever concept aimed at redefining the romantic comedy genre with a more brutally honest approach. However, it quickly veers away from that premise, choosing instead to depict its characters in a way that feels inauthentic. The storyline is highly predictable, with characters only acting in ways that serve the plot’s immediate needs. Even Sherry Cola’s Diane, Judy’s close friend who struggles with her own relationship and self-esteem issues and hasn’t read Judy’s comprehensive book on narcissism, acts merely as a comedic prop as the narrative escalates the absurdity in proving Eva’s fiancé’s misdeeds, making the film more grating than enjoyable.

      Indeed, the fiancé displays occasional dubious behavior, and it’s curious that the naïve aspiring artist played by Ciara Bravo seems significantly younger than a man who has already been engaged previously. However, the screenplay by Jenna Milly and Ann Marie Allison isn’t invested in these points; instead, it amplifies the notion that this man is an emotional manipulator or unfaithful without substantial justification for such claims, irrespective of their correctness.

      What follows is Judy's invasive actions into her daughter's life, escalating in borderline obsessive ways (a more insightful film would explore the question of who the real narcissist is), ultimately leading to frustration as we anticipate her eventual justification. This is a modern film; naturally, there will be something suspicious about the fiancé. Even when the narrative attempts to present the alternate viewpoint that some individuals are genuinely kind without harmful intentions, it ultimately supports Judy, who, as one might expect, carries her own emotional baggage.

      This wouldn’t be an issue if the film presented a genuine exploration of narcissism and the human desire to embrace love. Unfortunately, the screenplay fails to provide that, reducing each character to a stereotype meant to serve a painfully familiar narrative. This oversimplification is what makes You’re Dating a Narcissist! frustrating and unappealing; any relatable elements are overshadowed by characters who do not resemble authentic human beings with meaningful takeaways.

      Both the characters and humor lack depth, leaving Sherry Cola as the sole standout. Perhaps if this exaggeratedly quirky psychologist were more involved with Diane, who faces a more realistic situation, the film could have offered a more compelling narrative.

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

      Robert Kojder