Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein star in Office Romance, a new Netflix romcom that aims to revive the genre but falls short of expectations. The film, which features an R rating and promises raunchier content, instead delivers an inconsistent mix of sweetness and spice that never quite finds its tone.
A Safe Return for Lopez
Netflix has become a reliable home for Jennifer Lopez, whose recent streaming hits like The Mother and Atlas attracted large audiences despite critical indifference. Her earlier theatrical successes, such as Maid in Manhattan and The Wedding Planner, set a high bar for romcoms, but Office Romance struggles to recapture that magic. The film is a throwback to the genre she once dominated, but it lacks the fizz and charm needed to stand out.
Plot and Performances
Lopez plays Jackie, the CEO of an airline inherited from her father. Despite nepotism accusations, she is dedicated to her work at the expense of her personal life. When a lawsuit accuses her of using her body for business gain, she must rely on Daniel (Goldstein), the company's underling lawyer, to represent her. Daniel, struggling to adapt to American workplace culture, falls for Jackie despite a strict no-dating policy.
The film's odd tone is evident in a scene where Daniel gets an erection during a handshake, which is meant to be humorous but comes across as creepy. Lopez's character, known for being a hardass, inexplicably does not fire him, and they begin a secret relationship that quickly turns serious.
Chemistry and Humor
Goldstein, known for Ted Lasso, co-wrote the script with Joe Kelly, but his attempts to inject British humor into an American setting fall flat. Lopez exudes movie star charisma, but Goldstein cannot match her energy, making their romance hard to buy. The film relies on jokes about their attractiveness gap, but Goldstein's performance lacks the charm needed to make the relationship believable.
Supporting Cast and Tone
Betty Gilpin shines as Jackie's sarcastic friend and colleague, delivering the film's only genuinely funny moments. However, the rest of the cast is wasted in underwritten roles. The R rating feels unnecessary, with forced swearing and tame sex scenes that do not justify the rating. The film would have benefited from a sharper edge, akin to Judd Apatow's work, but instead remains a safe, corporate product.
Conclusion
Office Romance is a forgettable addition to Netflix's romcom library. Despite Lopez's best efforts, the film lacks the magic of classic romcoms and fails to deliver the promised raunch. It is now streaming on Netflix.
