Promising Romantic Comedy Takes Awkward Turn into Farce at Sundance 2025
#review #promising #romantic #comedy #takes #awkward #turn #farce #Sundance
The Sundance Film Festival, a premier platform for independent cinema, has seen its fair share of movies come and go. Some make a lasting impression, while others are quickly forgotten. But every now and then, a film emerges that leaves audiences talking long after the credits roll. "Oh, Hi!" is one such movie, a romantic comedy that initially holds much promise but eventually takes an unexpected turn into farce.
Released at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, "Oh, Hi!" tells the story of Emily, a successful event planner in her late 20s, struggling to find love in the bustling city of New York. When she’s not juggling multiple projects at work, she’s swiping through dating apps, attending awkward dates, or receiving unsolicited advice from her well-meaning but clueless friends. It’s no wonder, then, that Emily is more than a little surprised when she receives a message from a charming stranger, "Jack," who seems to understand her in ways no one else does.
As their online banter quickly turns into a whirlwind romance, Emily’s friends and family can’t help but get excited. Who is this mysterious Jack, and what is his secret, they all wonder? As the days go by, the questions only multiply, and Emily becomes increasingly anxious to finally meet her new beau in person. Little does she know, however, that her idyllic digital romance is about to take a drastic turn.
The first red flag is when Emily’s friend, Rachel, accidentally discovers Jack’s real name and Google-stalks him, revealing some…unsavory intel. There’s a restraining order, a history of stalking, and some rather disturbing online rants. Emily is understandably shaken but still determined to meet Jack, hoping that their connection is genuine. When they finally do meet, her doubts are confirmed – or so it seems.
But as the story unfolds, things take a remarkably awkward turn for the worse. Jack, it turns out, has multiple personalities, and not just the occasional lapse – we’re talking a full-blown case of dissociative identity disorder. And, just to make matters worse, each personality has its own unique quirks, habits, and…terrifying obsessions. Imagine being on a date with a chatty, flirty "Jack 1," only to have him suddenly morph into "Jack 3," a brooding, philosophically inclined Sou-East Asian man in a hanbok, or "Jack 5," a gambling-addicted, gun-wielding vigilante. It’s no wonder Emily is torn between fascination, fear, and genuine concern for her safety.
Now, at this point, you might be wondering why on earth someone would greenlight this project. And, to be honest, the same questions might be running through your mind as the film progresses. As the story plods along, it’s hard not to feel that "Oh, Hi!" is careening wildly off the rails, leaving viewers to wonder if this is some sort of meta-exploration of the blurred lines between love and psychoanalysis. Are we expected to pity Emily as she navigates this bizarre ordeal, or are we simply meant to laugh at her misfortunes? The tone is so inconsistent that it’s hard to pinpoint a clear emotional investment.
Romantic comedies rely heavily on the chemistry between leads, but in this case, the chemistry is tenuous at best. The performances are decent, yet the production feels amateurish, like a high school film project gone wrong. The dialogue often reads like a series of cringe-worthy one-liners, intended to elicit laughter but instead make you squirm in your seat. It’s like experiencing a trainwreck – you can’t look away, but you’re mortified by the wreckage unfolding before you. The score, meanwhile, is awkwardly injected into the mix, attempting to create a foreboding atmosphere but instead sounding like a cheap elevator music hall of fame.
Ultimately, "Oh, Hi!" is a confusing, tone-deaf romantic comedy that meanders between awkward farce and clumsy melodrama. As the credits roll, you can’t help but wonder who thought this was a good idea in the first place. Love, relationships, and the blurred lines between – these are all fascinating topics, but "Oh, Hi!" milks them for all they’re worth and then some. Come to "Oh, Hi!" with an open mind, prepared for a wild ride, but don’t say we didn’t warn you.
In conclusion, "Oh, Hi!" is an experiment gone wrong, a romantic comedy that might have worked on paper but fails to deliver in execution. If you’re looking for a worthwhile watch, consider "The Big Sick," "Crazy, Stupid, Love," or "To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before" instead. At the very least, be prepared for a laughably bad experience, replete with awkward performances, cringe-worthy dialogue, and a storyline that promises much but delivers little.
