By Chadd Clubine

Office Romance is a new romantic comedy premiering on Netflix on June 5. Directed by Ol Parker and written by Brett Goldstein and Joe Kelly, the film stars Jennifer Lopez, Brett Goldstein, Betty Gilpin, Amy Sedaris, Jodie Whittaker, Mary Wiseman, Tony Hale, Bradley Whitford, and Edward James Olmos.

Jackie (Lopez), President and CEO of Air Cruz, runs a tight ship in her business, including a rigid anti-fraternization policy for all her employees. When a new sexy lawyer (Goldstein) begins working for her, that policy becomes very tested.

Between its story and tone, Office Romance feels like a film that embraces the strengths of its genre, even if some of its elements are familiar. Despite its clichés, the film is surprisingly effective thanks to Ol Parker’s confident direction, the chemistry between Lopez and Goldstein, and the sharp humor and authenticity of the dialogue. Being released on Netflix also seems to give the film more freedom, allowing it to lean into its authenticity and incorporate some unexpectedly shocking moments that further enhances the comedy. Much of this success can likely be attributed to Goldstein’s writing, which continues to demonstrate the impressive range and versatility he brings as a writer.

Rumors have circulated that Lopez and Goldstein developed a real-life romance during the film’s production. Whether there’s any truth to that speculation or not, their chemistry on screen is undeniable. Despite playing characters beyond the typical young-romance demographic, the two bring an infectious energy that makes their relationship feel believable and endearing. Lopez, whose performances can sometimes be inconsistent, is particularly effective here, while Goldstein continues to prove why he remains one of the industry’s most underrated talents. With Ol Parker at the helm, the film wisely leans into their natural rapport, allowing their chemistry to flourish and become one of its greatest strengths.

Having only previously seen Ol Parker’s Ticket to Paradise (2022), I can already recognize a consistent strength in his ability to connect with actors and bring out engaging performances. It comes as no surprise that such a talented ensemble cast surrounds the film’s two leads, with each performer contributing to its charm. While the story itself is far from groundbreaking, it follows a proven formula that Parker clearly understands and appreciates. His confidence in the material helps elevate it beyond its familiar beats, resulting in a crowd-pleasing romantic comedy that serves as a welcome reminder of the genre’s enduring appeal.

Given its premise, Office Romance explores a workplace relationship that, on paper, could easily come across as inappropriate—and the film is aware of that. While there are moments that stretch believability, it does make an effort to acknowledge the complications surrounding its central romance. More importantly, the characters are given enough development to feel relatable and genuinely likable, making it easy to become invested in their journeys. Ultimately, this is a film that works best when viewed with a sense of fun, embracing its romantic-comedy sensibilities rather than scrutinizing every detail too closely.

With a runtime approaching two hours, Office Romance stretches its premise longer than necessary. By the halfway mark, the film’s trajectory becomes fairly obvious, making its third-act resolution feel predictable. Once the story reaches its inevitable turning point, the tension begins to dissipate, causing the narrative momentum to slow considerably. As a result, the second half lacks some of the energy and charm that make the first half so engaging.

Overall, Office Romance is better than expected, thanks largely to the undeniable chemistry between its two leads and a surprisingly strong sense of humor. Its biggest shortcomings stem from the predictability of the story and the lack of realism surrounding its central premise. Even so, the film remains an entertaining and charming watch that never takes itself too seriously. In many ways, it feels like a throwback to the romantic comedies of a bygone era—a type of crowd-pleasing genre film that has become increasingly rare in recent years.

VERDICT: 3/5 – Good