Which Brings Me to You 2024 Movie Review
A good romantic comedy needs you to root for the leads to get together. Now, the more rough edges you give your pairing, the harder it can be to want them to live happily ever after. At the same time, two bland and nice people are just not interesting to watch. So, a quality rom-com can navigate this. Luckily, despite a few third act hiccups, Which Brings Me to You is a very solid entry into the genre, elevated by its charming central duo.
Which Brings Me to You is smart to make both of our protagonists equally charming, funny, and messy. If only one had these traits, it just wouldn’t seem balanced. Here, they not only seem like two people that would end up in this situation, but also like folks that could potential be ultimately drawn to each other. It makes a big difference, in the end.
When Will (Nat Wolff) meets Jane (Lucy Hale) at a wedding neither one particularly wants to be at, it’s clear that they’re both messes. Some low-level flirtation leads to an almost completely impulsive hook up in the coat closet of the hall. Well, it almost does, since after Jane makes the move, Will has mild second thoughts at the last moment. They initially part ways, but Will chases Jane down, trying to explain himself. Then, they begin talking.
What starts as an embarrassing confession by Will eventually becomes a back and forth, as both reveal all of their past romantic misdeeds. There’s mishaps, mistakes, and even some regrets. As they share, they bond, learning not just about each other, but how they might actually have more to offer each other than initially thought. The stories are a real highlight, as our their running commentaries during, even if the ending does seem fairly preordained.
The duo of Lucy Hale and Nat Wolff really sell the story. This is Hale’s most complex and juiciest role to date, while it’s a somewhat more mature role than usual for Wolff, who I always enjoy. They have terrific chemistry, bounce off of each other well, and raise their game when the serious elements come into play. Hale and Wolff are the main focus, but supporting players include Genevieve Angelson, John Gallagher Jr., Alexander Hodge, Britne Oldford, and more.
Director Peter Hutchings, along with writers Steve Almond, Julianna Baggott, and Keith Bunin are at their best when focusing on the chemistry between Hale and Wolff. The first act and most of the second act are very pleasing, with a fun rhythm, nice little interludes with each of their ex’s, and witty dialogue. Some of the stories are very funny, while a middle of the flick sequence when they crash an anniversary party is absolutely lovely. The one hiccup is in the third act, late in the game, where everyone decides that the pair need to fight in order to make up. It comes off as cliche and lazy, which is a shame since everything else in this rom-com is clever and feels more original. It’s not a big issue, but it keeps a good film from being great.
Which Brings Me to You gets by on its charm, but when it’s charming, it’s so damn charming, you won’t be able to resist. The movie is a low-key pleasure, especially if you like Hale and/or Wolff. Romantic comedy fans will be in for a small-scale treat!
