Lucy Hale & Nat Wolff Falter In Boring, Heatless Romantic Comedy

Within the opening line of Which Brings Me to You‘s synopsis, the characters are referred to as “rambunctious” and their encounter in a coat closet is named a “heated embrace.” Neither of those descriptors works for the movie adaptation, which takes Steve Almond and Julianna Baggott’s novel, dulls its edges, and cools down the warmth. Starring Lucy Hale and Nat Wolff, the story is about an opportunity assembly that turns right into a false cease relationship, which then turns into a romantic correspondence that reveals the guts of two romantic burnouts with messy and heartbreaking histories. It is an attention-grabbing premise that falls flat onscreen.

Which Brings Me To You Cuts Out An Vital Half Of The Novel

I’ve not learn Which Brings Me to You, however I did some analysis in anticipation of watching this movie. Whereas the e book did not earn rave critiques, readers loved it considerably, however one of many widespread criticisms was that the characters, John and Jane, modified to Will and Jane for the film, had been overly written. Their letters reveal their anticipation of a romantic relationship blossoming from a clear slate. Each are jaded for his or her respective causes, however they wish to be radically open to one another if one thing occurs.

The letters are faraway from the movie, and the duo spend a whole day, afternoon, and evening collectively, strolling and speaking about their lives. Motion pictures about letter writing haven’t all the time made for one of the best cinematic endeavors, however even The Lakehouse managed to keep up the romantic phantasm higher, and the celebs had immense chemistry that permeated regardless of them not sharing the display screen for a lot of the film. Which Brings Me to You’s elimination of the letters does not do it any favors, and it is not like screenwriter Keith Bunin changed it with one thing extra worthwhile.

Lucy Hale & Nat Wolff Ship Subpar Performances At Finest

Their appearing can also be held again by the uninspired course

The movie reunites Hale with The Hating Sport director Peter Hutchings. Whereas the latter was extra tolerable, I acknowledge the identical points that make the 2 incomprehensibly chilly within the romance division. There’s a flatness within the course that impacts the performances. Hale is very underserved by a director who can’t pull a charismatic and dynamic character out of her. Wolff’s efficiency leaves a lot to be desired, and he almost sleepwalks by means of the film. He turns in a few good appearing moments, however they’re fleeting and simple to overlook as I grew drained from the monotonous tempo.

Because the couple is in a stagnant place initially, the movie must do rather a lot to construct their connection, therefore dropping the letters. Whereas admirable that this variation brings the characters collectively earlier, the artwork of the walking-talking film has scarcely been perfected. Earlier than Dawn is a pinnacle within the romance style, however the mannequin has confirmed troublesome to duplicate. As a substitute of letters, Which Brings Me to You explores Will and Jane’s lives by means of vignettes that play out whereas they discuss by means of their previous romances.

That is how we’re launched to John Gallagher Jr.’s Wallace and Alexander Hodge’s Elton, who simply might have completed extra to raise Wolff’s function. Britne Oldford is participating with what little she has as Audrey, however like so many on this movie, the presentation of the story doesn’t serve them in any approach. From the chemistry-less results in the counteractive narrative adjustments, Which Brings Me To You makes an argument for why not all books require an adaptation.

Which Brings Me To You Additionally Lacks A Sense Of Humor

The movie is just not actually humorous. It might be amusing at instances, however the tonal inconsistency and the stilted method suck the enjoyable out of what might’ve been a dynamic portrayal of younger love and maturing by means of heartbreak. Seeing unhealthy relationships play out is certainly a fascinating alternative. There’s some enjoyment available and classes to study. To that finish, I see the movie’s deserves. The candidness of those characters and their assembly in the midst of their respective journeys is attention-grabbing, however I can’t assist however marvel if totally different casting selections and inventive crew would’ve boosted it.

Which Brings Me To You is underwhelming on the entire. Hale and Wolff could also be making an attempt to shine, however the lackluster narrative could have rubbed off on them an excessive amount of. The chemistry wanted to make the onscreen romance work was virtually non-existent, which sadly torpedoed an already boring exploration of affection. The movie is, sadly, simply one other occasion of the e book being higher than the film.

Which Brings Me To You

Launch Date

January 19, 2024

Director

Peter Hutchings

Solid

Lucy Hale , Nat Wolff , Britne Oldford , Genevieve Angelson , Alexander Hodge , John Gallagher Jr. , Marceline Hugot

Score

Not But Rated

Runtime

98 Minutes

Writers

Keith Bunin

Studio(s)

Nameless Content material , BCDF Footage

Distributor(s)

Decal