SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL — In “Oh, Hi!,” Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman show the world just how thrilling a new relationship can be. The film premiered at Sundance on Jan. 26 and filled multiple screenings during the festival with excited moviegoers, unsure of what to expect. For those who have spent time battling the monster that is modern dating, the film likely struck a chord.
Because really, what’s the worst thing that can happen on a romantic getaway?
Gordon and Lerman star as love interests, Iris and Isaac, going on a weekend trip despite being in a relatively new relationship. From the moment the film begins with the duo giggling and singing “Islands in the Stream” in the car on the way to their destination, it seems almost too good to be true — but maybe that feeling of trepidation is merely a reflection of the dating struggles experienced by younger generations like that of Iris and Isaac.
Co-written by Brooks and Gordon and directed by Brooks, “Oh, Hi!” encapsulates the unexpected nature of dating someone new, through moments of comedy and anxiety-inducing suspense. It’s the sort of story that, at first, makes viewers ashamed to admit how relatable it was, but steps far enough from reality in the second and third acts for us to say, Well, at least I’m not that crazy!
The film may seem at times superficial, but to its advantage, it doesn’t try to be anything else. It’s just silly, and frankly, that’s okay. Just when it feels predictable (I never thought I’d type the words “Chekhov’s ball gag”), the characters will start a new bit, strengthened by both Gordon and Lerman’s intense grasp on comedy. Iris and Isaac are both familiar personality types: the slightly overbearing and insecure meets the removed and flirtatious. These stereotypes are evident in everything they do — from interacting with a stranger at a strawberry stand to the way they engage in a bout of fun, kinky sex. Iris wants something serious and she will do anything (seriously, anything) to make sure Isaac wants her as much as she wants him — the commitment-phobe’s worst nightmare. Gordon and Lerman’s tangible chemistry makes this recipe for disaster even more enjoyable to watch unfold.
Among Lerman and Gordon’s talents are other comedic superstars: Geraldine Viswanathan and John Reynolds, as Iris and Isaac’s couple friends, Max and Kenny. These two enter the story midway through with their own tropes. Max, the die-hard girl BFF, is seemingly willing to drop everything and would likely commit murder for Iris if she had to. Kenny is roped into their messy situation through his own inability to take a hint, and before we know it, they’re all sitting around eating pesto pasta in what very well may be a crime scene. In a film so completely outrageous, it’s eerie how familiar all of these characters really are.
It’s the laser focus on character-building that makes “Oh, Hi!” worth watching, where it might otherwise fall short. The film struggles to decide how far into absurdity it wants to go, and at times, its pacing may seem too fast or too slow. Certain bits drag on so long they lose their humor (such as using alleged witchcraft to keep a man) while the funniest jokes are glossed over so fast someone might miss them (a hilarious line-read alludes to a bowl of very dehydrated pee). Despite these flaws, what begins as a classic rom-com takes a wild turn into new territory. That risk alone is commendable.
“Oh, Hi!” is undeniably from the mind of a young adult. In both the specific moments of quippy humor and the overall story being told, this film will land the best with those who see themselves in Iris and Isaac — especially when it comes to the delusional hope that despite their flaws, this messed-up couple might work out in the end.