Coming Soon: Oh, Hi! (2025) by Sophie Brooks: A Rom-Com Gone Awry
- dailyentertainment95
- Jul 10
- 13 min read
Core Summary: A Weekend Getaway Takes a Twisted Turn
Oh, Hi! (2025) is a new romantic comedy film directed and co-written by Sophie Brooks. It stars Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman as Iris and Isaac, a new couple embarking on their first romantic weekend getaway from New York City. The trip takes an unexpected and dark comedic turn when a secret closet filled with sex toys leads to a surprising power dynamic shift and a revealing conversation about their relationship, forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths about modern dating.
Summary Short: Handcuffs and Hard Truths
Sophie Brooks's Oh, Hi! is a 2025 rom-com where a couple's first romantic getaway goes hilariously and revealingly wrong when a kinky discovery leads to an unexpected confrontation about their relationship.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33292655/
About movie: https://www.sonyclassics.com/film/ohhi/
theatrical release date July 25, 2025
Detailed Summary: When Intimacy Unlocks Honesty
Oh, Hi! expertly blends humor with genuine emotional depth, offering a fresh and twisted take on the romantic comedy genre.
The Premise: A First Romantic Getaway: The story introduces Iris (Molly Gordon) and Isaac (Logan Lerman) as a new couple who seem to have found an ideal connection, navigating the complexities of modern dating. They decide to take their relationship to the next level with a romantic weekend escape from the city to upstate New York. The initial scenes depict lush scenery, playful banter, and a deepening bond, suggesting a promising future for their relationship.
The Unforeseen Catalyst: The turning point occurs when they discover a secret closet filled with sex toys in their rental house. This leads to them experimenting with some light sexual bondage, with Isaac ending up handcuffed to the bed.
The Twist and Revelation: In the afterglow of their intimacy, while Isaac is still restrained, he casually mentions that he isn't looking for a serious relationship at this point. This starkly contrasts Iris's understanding of their relationship, leaving her feeling betrayed and trapped.
The Prolonged Confrontation: Instead of immediately releasing him, Iris, feeling emotionally ambushed and seeking the "truth" she believes has been withheld, keeps Isaac tied up for over 12 hours. This extended period of forced proximity becomes a darkly comedic yet intensely revealing crucible for their relationship. It forces them into a raw, honest, and uncomfortable conversation about their desires, expectations, communication failures, and the often-frustrating realities of modern romance.
Themes of Modern Dating: The film expertly examines the "complex intricacies" and "perils" of contemporary dating culture, exploring issues like commitment-phobia, miscommunication, vulnerability, and the search for genuine connection in an often superficial landscape.
Balancing Humor and Heart: Sophie Brooks, known for her ability to balance sincerity with a "tongue-in-cheek" tone, crafts a story that is both funny and deeply empathetic. The humor arises from the absurd situation, while the emotional weight comes from the characters' very real and relatable struggles.
Strong Performances: Molly Gordon (known for The Bear) and Logan Lerman deliver standout performances, reportedly capturing the blend of humor and emotional depth required for their roles, making the flawed characters relatable.
Oh, Hi! is described as a "rom-com gone wrong" that uses a unique and bold premise to skillfully dissect the complexities of love and honesty in the 21st century.
Director's Vision: Sophie Brooks's Deconstruction of Modern Romance
Subverting Rom-Com Tropes: Sophie Brooks's vision for Oh, Hi! is to subvert traditional romantic comedy tropes, taking a seemingly idyllic setting and turning it into a confined space for intense emotional and comedic confrontation. She aims to put a "smashing and potent spin on the modern-day romantic comedy."
Seeking Truth in Relationships: A core theme for Brooks in her work, and particularly in Oh, Hi!, is the pursuit of truth in human relationships. The unusual premise of the film is a direct vehicle for exploring how far one might go to extract honesty from another person, even if it's uncomfortable.
Balancing Light and Dark: Brooks intends to maintain a delicate balance between humor and genuine emotional depth. She wants the film to be entertaining and funny while still saying something meaningful about modern dating and the human condition. Her sensibility is to deal with sincere feelings while also being "a bit tongue in cheek."
Character-Driven Narrative: While the premise is unique, Brooks's focus remains on character exploration. She aims to tell stories about women and love that feel "human" and "explore real feelings," making the characters flawed but relatable as they embrace vulnerability.
Collaborative Filmmaking: The film developed from an idea Brooks had, and then expanded through collaboration with Molly Gordon, who not only stars but also co-developed the story and produced. This collaborative spirit is central to Brooks's creative process.
Themes: Honesty, Vulnerability, and the Pitfalls of Modern Dating
Truth and Deception in Relationships: The central theme revolves around the elusive nature of truth in dating and the consequences of withholding honest intentions.
Vulnerability and Control: The film explores the dynamic of vulnerability—both physical (Isaac's restraint) and emotional (Iris's emotional exposure)—and the often-unhealthy ways individuals try to exert control or gain clarity in relationships.
Modern Dating Anxieties: It highlights the anxieties and "politics" of contemporary dating culture, including commitment issues, miscommunication, and the search for authentic connection amidst superficiality.
Gender Dynamics in Romance: The scenario allows for an exploration of power dynamics within a new relationship, particularly from a female perspective navigating the often-disappointing realities of the dating world.
Communication Breakdown: The film implicitly addresses the crucial role of clear communication in relationships and the chaos that ensues when expectations are not openly shared.
Key Success Factors: Bold Premise and Strong Cast
Unique and Bold Premise: The film's central concept of a romantic getaway taking an unexpected, kinky, and confrontational turn is highly original and attention-grabbing.
Strong Lead Performances: The casting of Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman, both critically acclaimed actors, is a major asset, providing the necessary comedic timing and emotional depth.
Sophie Brooks's Distinctive Voice: Brooks has an established track record for witty and insightful romantic narratives, making this a highly anticipated sophomore feature.
Sundance Premiere: Debuting at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival provided significant industry buzz and critical attention.
Sony Pictures Classics Distribution: Acquisition by Sony Pictures Classics signals high artistic quality and ensures a reputable, targeted theatrical and awards-season push.
Timely Social Commentary: The film's themes about modern dating resonate strongly with contemporary audiences.
Summary Short: A Concise Takeaway
Sophie Brooks's Oh, Hi! is a sharp 2025 rom-com where a new couple's kinky weekend getaway becomes an unexpected, revealing, and darkly funny confrontation about modern dating and the truths they've avoided.
Awards & Nominations: A Festival Favorite for Modern Romance
Oh, Hi! has quickly made a splash on the film festival circuit in 2025, earning recognition for its sharp writing, comedic timing, and relevant exploration of contemporary relationships.
Key festival recognition includes:
Sundance Film Festival (2025): World Premiere on January 26, 2025. This prestigious selection immediately put the film on the map as a buzzy indie title.
Tribeca Film Festival (2025): Featured in the festival, highlighting its clever and charmingly odd dark comedy.
Given its strong reception at these major festivals, Oh, Hi! could be a contender for:
Independent Spirit Awards: For its indie spirit and unique storytelling in the comedy genre.
Acting Nominations: Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman's performances, particularly their chemistry and comedic timing, have been highlighted by critics, making them potential nominees in comedy categories.
Screenwriting Awards: Sophie Brooks's sharp writing and her collaboration with Molly Gordon on the story could earn nominations for Best Screenplay, particularly in independent film awards.
Critics' Reception: A Twisted, Relatable Rom-Com for the Digital Age
Critics have largely embraced Oh, Hi! as a fresh, albeit dark, take on the romantic comedy genre, praising its honesty in depicting the absurdities and frustrations of modern dating. While some note that the premise occasionally stretches credulity, the film's insights and lead performances are consistently lauded.
Loud And Clear Reviews (Hayley Croke): Describes the film as a "sharp, hilarious and fascinating analysis of everything wrong with romance today." The review commends Brooks for "masterfully flip[ping] the romantic comedy genre on its head" and for "expertly reflecting the maddening current dating climate." Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman are praised as "pitch perfect" for grounding the film's outlandish moments with humor and sensitivity.
Film Festival Today (Christopher Llewellyn Reed): Gives the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, calling it a "twisted comedy of errors." Reed notes that the film excels when Iris and Isaac are together, highlighting their "easy rapport." While some "gimmicks overstay their welcome" and the performances can be "too frenzied," the film ultimately "delivers equal measures of tenderness and ribald laughter in a unique combination." The ending is noted as surprisingly good and "genuinely earned."
MovieWeb: Praises the film as an "unconventional 'situationship' rom-com" that "takes this to new heights." The review highlights Molly Gordon's "outstanding and emotional performance" and the film's "unabashed carnality" and "female gaze," which prioritizes Iris's desires. While acknowledging that "Brooks eventually loses the plot, seemingly unsure where to take this once-compelling situationship tale," it's deemed a "ride worth taking for its potent relatability and hot onscreen intimacy."
Metacritic (Average Score 57/100, Mixed or Average Reviews): While positive reviews are prevalent, some critics on Metacritic express reservations. For instance, The Film Stage notes that "What begins as a fun weekend loses its appeal; unfortunately the film follows suit." The Guardian finds that as things "start to devolve, it becomes harder to understand how they ever found themselves here." However, Collider praises Brooks for "balancing the tone in just the right ways, it all comes together beautifully," and The Hollywood Reporter points to "playful writing and game cast" as reasons it will "attract young fans."
Overall, critics see Oh, Hi! as a timely and often hilarious commentary on modern dating. Its strength lies in the strong chemistry and comedic timing of Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman, as well as Sophie Brooks's willingness to push the boundaries of the rom-com genre. While some find the plot occasionally strains credulity or loses steam in its later acts, its insights into the perils of "situationships" and the human desire for clarity and connection resonate strongly.
Reviews: A Relatable and Divisive Portrayal of Modern Dating
Audience reactions to Oh, Hi! are likely to be passionate and varied, with many finding it incredibly relatable and others potentially struggling with its dark comedic elements or extreme premise.
Highly Relatable Dating Woes: A significant portion of the audience will connect deeply with the film's exploration of modern dating frustrations: the ambiguity of "situationships," the fear of vulnerability, and the desire for clear labels. Many will see their own experiences reflected in Iris's anxieties and Isaac's commitment-phobia.
Appreciation for Dark Humor: Viewers who enjoy dark comedies and aren't afraid of uncomfortable humor will likely find the film's escalating absurdity and Iris's extreme reactions genuinely funny. The "rom-com gone wrong" aspect will appeal to those looking for a subversion of traditional romantic tropes.
Mixed Feelings on the Premise's Extremity: Some audience members may find Iris's actions (e.g., physically restraining Isaac) to be too extreme or uncomfortable for a comedy, potentially disrupting their ability to empathize or laugh. Discussions about whether the film handles the "holding captive" premise appropriately for a comedy will likely emerge.
Strong Performances and Chemistry: The real-life chemistry between Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman is a major asset, making their initial rapport believable and their subsequent conflict compelling. Audiences will likely praise their ability to navigate the comedic and more vulnerable moments.
Dialogue and Themes Spark Discussion: The film's sharp dialogue and its direct confrontation of modern dating's pitfalls will likely prompt viewers to discuss their own dating experiences, the "rules" of modern romance, and the societal pressures that contribute to these issues.
A Millennial/Gen Z "Must-Watch": For younger audiences who have grown up with dating apps and "ghosting," the film might feel like a raw and accurate reflection of their reality, positioning it as a cult favorite or a highly discussed title within those demographics.
Overall, Oh, Hi! offers audiences a provocative and often hilarious look at the complexities of modern love. While its dark turn might not be for everyone, those who appreciate a biting satire with relatable emotional core and strong performances are likely to find it a memorable and thought-provoking experience.
Box Office: Indie Success, Targeted Theatrical Release
As an independent film acquired by Sony Pictures Classics, Oh, Hi! is not expected to be a wide commercial blockbuster but rather aims for critical success and a strong performance within the independent and art-house circuit.
Festival Run: Its premieres at Sundance and Tribeca generate significant buzz and industry attention.
Limited Theatrical Release: The film is scheduled to hit U.S. theaters on July 25, 2025, indicating a targeted theatrical release, likely in arthouse cinemas in major cities, potentially expanding based on critical reception and audience demand.
Sony Pictures Classics Strategy: Sony Pictures Classics is known for its careful curation of high-quality independent and international films, often positioning them for awards season and ensuring a thoughtful rollout rather than a wide commercial push.
Detailed global box office figures will emerge after its theatrical run, but its success will be primarily measured by critical acclaim and its eventual performance on digital and streaming platforms.
Production Summary: Collaborative Indie Rom-Com
Oh, Hi! (2025) is an American romantic comedy film. It is directed by Sophie Brooks, who also co-wrote the screenplay. The story was developed by Brooks and Molly Gordon, who also stars in the film. The cast includes Molly Gordon (Iris), Logan Lerman (Isaac), Geraldine Viswanathan, and John Reynolds. The film has a runtime of 95 minutes. It was produced by David Brooks, Dan Clifton, Julie Waters, Sophie Brooks, and Molly Gordon. Executive producers include Evan Dyal, Justin Brown, Evan Moore, Sabina Friedman-Seitz, Molly Quinn, Matthew M. Welty, and Elan Gale. Watermark Media financed the feature in association with QWGmire, AmorFortuna, and Bespoke Production Capital. Cinematography was handled by Conor Murphy, and editing by Kayla M. Émter, with music by Steven Price. Filming likely occurred in New York City and upstate New York.
Production Companies: A Collaborative Indie Effort
Oh, Hi! is a product of several independent production companies:
Cliffbrook Films
Watermark Media
QWGmire
AmorFortuna
Bespoke Production Capital
The film's production highlights a collaborative model, with key creatives like Sophie Brooks and Molly Gordon also serving as producers.
Sales Companies: Sony Pictures Classics (Worldwide Rights)
Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) acquired worldwide rights to Oh, Hi! after its Sundance premiere. This means SPC is handling both the distribution and the international sales of the film.
Distribution Companies: Sony Pictures Classics
Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) is the distributor for Oh, Hi! in the United States and likely worldwide, given their acquisition of global rights.
Release Date on Streaming: Expected Late 2025 / Early 2026
While Oh, Hi! has a U.S. theatrical release date of July 25, 2025, its streaming release date on major platforms is not yet confirmed. Given the typical window for independent films, it is likely to become available on VOD or streaming services in late 2025 or early 2026, following its theatrical run.
Theatrical Release: Sundance, Tribeca & U.S. Theaters
Oh, Hi! had its:
World Premiere: January 26, 2025, at the Sundance Film Festival.
New York Premiere: June 14, 2025, at the Tribeca Film Festival.
U.S. Theatrical Release: Scheduled for July 25, 2025.
Why to Recommend this Movie: For Fresh Takes on Modern Love and Witty Dialogue
Smart Romantic Comedy: Recommend this film to viewers who are looking for a refreshing, witty, and unconventional romantic comedy that goes beyond clichés.
Relatable Modern Dating Woes: It's an excellent choice for audiences navigating the complexities and absurdities of modern dating, offering both humor and validation.
Strong Lead Chemistry: Ideal for those who appreciate compelling on-screen chemistry and strong performances from talented young actors.
Sundance & Tribeca Acclaim: For cinephiles who follow independent film festivals and appreciate critically praised, sophisticated dramas with comedic elements.
Why to Watch Movie: For a Clever, Hilarious, and Surprisingly Deep Rom-Com
Unique Premise: Watch to experience a truly unique and bold premise for a romantic comedy that takes an unexpected turn.
Laugh and Reflect: Be prepared for a film that is both genuinely hilarious and surprisingly thought-provoking, offering insights into honesty and vulnerability in relationships.
Enjoy Top-Tier Indie Talent: See Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman deliver captivating performances in a fresh, new story.
Support Original Storytelling: By watching, you're supporting original, independent filmmaking that pushes the boundaries of a familiar genre.
Movie Trend: Post-Rom-Coms and Relationship Deconstructions
Oh, Hi! fits perfectly into the current trend of "post-rom-coms" or "relationship deconstructions" – films that use the framework of a romantic comedy but delve into the messier, more realistic, and often uncomfortable truths of modern relationships, communication, and commitment issues, often with a darker comedic or dramatic twist.
Big Social Trend: Dating App Fatigue and the Search for Authenticity
The film taps into the widespread social trend of dating app fatigue and the collective search for authenticity and genuine connection in a dating landscape often perceived as superficial, confusing, or even deceptive. It reflects a societal craving for more honest communication and clarity in romantic endeavors.
Final Conclusions: Beyond the Screen, A Lasting Impact: Overall Impression and Impact: A Bold and Refreshing Voice in Contemporary Rom-Coms
Oh, Hi! is a bold, refreshing, and highly intelligent addition to the contemporary romantic comedy genre. Sophie Brooks, along with her talented cast, delivers a film that is both laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely insightful, dissecting the anxieties and truths of modern dating with precision and wit. It leaves a lasting impression as a smart, character-driven story that isn't afraid to get uncomfortable in its pursuit of honesty.
Recommendations for Film Makers: Embrace Bold Concepts, Prioritize Authentic Dialogue: Lessons from "Oh, Hi!"
Dare to Be Different: Filmmakers should take inspiration from Oh, Hi!'s willingness to embrace a bold, unconventional premise within a familiar genre to create something fresh and memorable.
Focus on Dialogue-Driven Conflict: The film demonstrates the power of authentic, raw, and extended dialogue to drive both comedic and dramatic conflict, particularly in confined settings.
Collaborate with Talent: Engaging lead actors in the story development and production process (as with Molly Gordon) can lead to more nuanced characters and a stronger, more personal narrative.
Balance Genre Elements: Master the art of balancing humor with genuine emotional depth and uncomfortable truths, creating a film that is entertaining while also thought-provoking.
Recommendations for Movie Industry: Invest in Genre Subversion, Champion Fresh Voices in Rom-Coms: Insights from This Production
Seek Out Genre Innovators: The industry, especially studios and streamers, should actively seek out filmmakers who are subverting traditional genres like the rom-com, as these films often find critical success and resonate with audiences seeking something new.
Support Character-Driven Rom-Coms: Invest in romantic comedies that prioritize deep character exploration and realistic relationship dynamics over formulaic plots, as this approach leads to more impactful and memorable films.
Value Festival Buzz: Pay close attention to films generating strong buzz at major independent festivals like Sundance and Tribeca, as these often signal high-quality, commercially viable projects even if they don't fit traditional blockbuster molds.
Promote Open Conversations: Support and market films that address relevant social trends (like modern dating anxieties) in an honest and engaging way, inviting audience discussion.
Final Verdict: Concluding Thoughts on "Oh, Hi!": A Witty, Unflinching Look at Love in the Modern Age
Oh, Hi! is a witty, unflinching, and surprisingly profound romantic comedy that bravely tackles the messy realities of love and honesty in the modern age. Sophie Brooks's sharp direction, combined with stellar performances from Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman, makes this film a must-watch for anyone looking for a smart, funny, and deeply relatable take on relationships.
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