Image Credit: Netflix
From director OL Parker (ticket to heaven, Mamma Mia! Here we go again) and this ted lasso The writing team of Brett Goldstein and Joe Kelly, office romance It’s a dreamy scenario that was conceived during a train ride and was created with just one actress in mind: the film’s lead actress Jennifer Lopez. Discussing what they will do next ted lassoGoldstein, who also stars in the film alongside J-Lo, and Kelly bonded over their love of old-school rom-coms, hatched the idea on the set of Leaving the Ride, and put Jennifer Lopez at the top of their one-woman list. Once a script was written, it was sent to their #1 choice with a note saying that they only had her in mind and that they couldn’t make it without her. With their approval, a new Netflix romantic comedy production was born.
Differentiating herself from previous J-Lo rom-coms—a subject in which Goldstein is truly a scholar— office romance Allows Lopez to take on a more high-powered role as Jackie Cruise, CEO of a family-run airline started by her famous pilot father Captain Jack Cruise (played by Edward James Olmos). Constantly challenged by the board and facing lawsuits brought by his rivals, Jackie can be seen as an intimidating presence, running a tight ship at Air Cruises with some strict rules – including a strict anti-fraternization policy that strictly prohibits inter-office relationships.
But when his usual corporate lawyer falls ill, a new in-house counsel, Daniel Blanchflower (Goldstein), takes over the case brought against him and draws the solo CEO’s attention. Tested by her dedication to her policies, her fear of how things could be used against her, and her fear of being hurt again, Jackie must figure out what is most important to her before she loses everything.
In addition to Lopez, Goldstein and Olmos, the cast also includes well-established actors shine star betty gilpin, get out bradley whitford, stranger with candy lead amy sedaris, am a doctor Jodie Whittaker herself, arrested Development funny man tony hale, Star Trek: Discovery The extraordinary Mary Wiseman, Actor Award nominee Tony Plana (ugly Betty, One day at a time), & law & Order Mainstay Michelle Hurd.
Office romance. (L-R) Jennifer Lopez as Jackie Cruz and Brett Goldstein as Daniel Blanchflower in Office Romance. Ten million. Ana Carballosa/Netflix © 2026.
Although this is an impressive and deep cast list, the best part is office romance The point is, I can keep listing more and more because the smallest parts get the biggest laughs. The go-to bad date scenario was like actress Lisa Gilroy, who I’d seen doing some less unhinged versions of this on “Shrinking” and the “Scrubs” reboot, perfectly captured the film’s opening moments by getting drunk, instigating a fight with a restaurant patron, and falling on Daniel’s face before trying to grab a blood-soaked smooch when he got home; Or maybe comedian Will Sasso is sharing those early moments by talking about masturbating with his ex-wife during a business dinner with Jackie. While these are just two early examples, the film continues to fill any less romantic moments with legitimate comedy chops, particularly Jackie’s ride-or-die colleague from Sydney who is played by Betty Gilpin (there’s a moment now between this episode of “Widow’s Bay” and that episode of “Widow’s Bay”) whose hilarious pregnancy, post-pregnancy (going back to work the next day), and whispering fight with Daniel is some of the best work in the film.
However, when it comes to romance, the film is acutely aware that the differences between the lead characters in “Helen of Troy (Beating) Mr. Bean” don’t always make for the proper sparks and sedate energy. The many undercuts, silly jerks (throwing each other on the bed, tripping, awkward dialogue), and sight gags (Buckingham Palace guard roleplay, etc.) distract our attention from the fact that these two can spend time together and say a few things, but Goldstein actually gets his R rating for saying and watching cunts rather than looking like a passionate couple… a birth… Depending on what you think you came into this movie with, it may not be the best of your favorite aspects of the genre.
While there are also some lesser subplots like the kind-hearted, sensual, yet murderous sister and the mostly unearned father-daughter conclusion, Office Romance still manages to entertain due to the secure base of capable hands (a mixture of metaphors?) like Goldstein (Kelly with the writing), Lopez (in a genre film register he finds more appealing), and director OL Parker (fully capable of working with large casts with star power at the center).
Office romance. (L-R) Jennifer Lopez as Jackie Cruz and Brett Goldstein as Daniel Blanchflower in Office Romance. Ten million. Ana Carballosa/Netflix © 2026.
While streaming audience stats would tell me that Lopez has racked up some winners since her critically acclaimed turn in Hustlers, to me, she’s struggled to offer something this good to the world in some time. Marry Me, Shotgun Wedding, and her two Netflix critical duets, Mother & atlas (Cringe!), registered as barely passable, if not completely devoid of any substance. In Jackie Cruz, Lopez can really be front and center, using her charm and irresistible beauty to convince us that this pairing might be worth making.
As a dedicated observer of both ted lasso And shrinkmy curiosity office romance More focused on Goldstein as an exercise in separation from his significant loved ones and culturally significant characters. What does his humor and interests look like beyond a stacked team that includes showrunners like Bill Lawrence or creative artists like Jason Segel, Neil Goldman, Ashley Nicole Black and Jack Bornstein? The film shows his strength in being surrounded by incredible talent, knowing where his limits are, knowing the genres he enjoys, knowing his tunes, and showcasing his work with witty discomfort and the occasional extreme blowout gag.
Regardless of who or what you’re rooting for, office romance should be content with Friday night hugs or stay-at-home laughs. It might sacrifice flamboyance in exchange for silliness, but given the pieces Goldstein, Parker, and Lopez have surrounded themselves with, it’s probably the right decision.
Be sure to stick around for the credits for the hilarious HR sequence, which may get a lot more laughs than the rest of the movie.
Watch office romance if you liked
- set it up
- game of hate
- Proposal
- wedding planner
- ticket to heaven
MVP of office romance
Betty Gilpin as Sidney Bloom
It would be very easy to pay tribute to Goldstein since he wrote, produced, and starred in it, but there’s something about Betty Gilpin in her performance as Sidney that comes through in every scene she’s in.
Gilpin becomes sly and funny as she slips between third-wheel cooler, snide executive and pregnant punchline with sometimes almost silent-era physicality. Her whispering battle with Goldstein is as important as Goldstein’s every “You wanted to see me?” To reject. She is the most consistent form of comedy in the film, but is also extremely capable as a confident businesswoman and a resource for Lopez’s Jackie.
Lopez and Goldstein may not make the rom-com chemistry hall of fame, but a deep cast and a more humor-packed script than your average movie of the genre will make this a fun night at home.
