“Oh, Hi!” Review | A Cleverly Dark Take on Modern Love

July 25, 2025

Introduction: Captivatingly Quirky Romance Meets Psychological Thriller

Oh, Hi! directed by Sophie Brooks and co-written by Brooks and Molly Gordon, is a clever and charmingly dark comedy that deftly navigates the complexities of modern dating.

With a playful yet tense narrative, this film offers viewers a rollercoaster of emotions, blending humor and anxiety into a uniquely millennial romance thriller. Anchored by vibrant performances, it manages to stay engaging despite its outlandish premise.

Story: From Romantic Weekend to Darkly Comedic Disaster

The film begins with Iris (Molly Gordon) and Isaac (Logan Lerman) setting off for a romantic weekend getaway to High Falls, affectionately misnamed “Oh, Hi Falls” by Iris due to a broken sign. Initially, everything appears idyllic as the pair seems perfectly matched, bonding effortlessly through banter and vulnerability. However, the idyllic veneer quickly fractures when casual intimacy collides with mismatched expectations, spiraling into chaos as Iris takes drastic measures to secure emotional security, resulting in a dark yet comical standoff.

The strength of Oh, Hi! lies in its ability to keep audiences grounded despite escalating absurdity. The stakes, though extreme, remain emotionally relatable, never devolving into mere farce. Brooks expertly intertwines genuine relationship anxieties with humorous extremes, crafting a narrative that is both engaging and insightful.

Characters: Charming Chemistry and Spiraling Madness

At the heart of Oh, Hi! are Iris and Isaac, portrayed impressively by Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman. Gordon excels in a hilariously spiraling performance, capturing Iris’s increasing desperation and anxiety with nuance and comedic timing. Her character, bruised by past relationships and modern dating struggles, feels painfully real yet entertainingly exaggerated.

Lerman’s Isaac perfectly embodies modern commitment issues. Charismatic yet infuriatingly indecisive, he represents the “soft boy” archetype, complete with emotional unavailability and casual insensitivity masked by charm. His interactions with Iris oscillate between sweetly affectionate and deeply frustrating, highlighting the complexities of contemporary dating dynamics.

The film receives additional comedic momentum from Geraldine Viswanathan and John Reynolds, playing Max and Kenny, respectively. Their late-stage involvement reinvigorates the plot, injecting fresh comedy and further amplifying the situational absurdity. Meanwhile, David Cross delivers an entertainingly eccentric performance as Steve, rounding out a solid supporting ensemble.

Direction: A Satirical Lens on Millennial Romance

Director Sophie Brooks captures lightning in a bottle with Oh, Hi!, her sophomore film that sharply critiques modern dating through a darkly comedic lens. Brooks effectively merges rom-com sensibilities with elements of psychological horror, skillfully balancing tonal shifts without losing the narrative’s emotional coherence. Her direction shines brightest in moments of quiet introspection, capturing subtle anxieties and escalating tensions with equal precision.

Brooks’s satirical take on romance and millennial fears around commitment provides biting commentary wrapped in an entertaining package. The film thoughtfully explores miscommunication as the true antagonist, offering sincere reflections amidst its comedic exaggerations.

Technical Details: A Polished Blend of Visuals and Sound

The technical execution of Oh, Hi! complements its tonal ambitions. Cinematographer Conor Murphy adeptly captures the shifting moods, from warm romantic hues to starkly isolating shots that heighten the film’s darker undertones. Visual framing consistently reinforces the narrative’s escalating anxiety, effectively blending romantic visuals with unsettling psychological tension.

Musically, the film benefits from a playful yet poignant score that underscores the shifting emotional landscape. The soundtrack complements the narrative transitions seamlessly, enhancing both comedic and dramatic elements without overpowering the performances.

Final Thoughts: A Smart, Funny Commentary on Love and Communication

Oh, Hi! stands out as a smart and sharply humorous exploration of contemporary relationships. While it never attempts to completely reinvent the romantic comedy genre, its willingness to dive into darker psychological elements sets it apart.

Ultimately, the film delivers both laughs and thoughtful insights into the anxieties of modern love, making it a must-watch for fans of quirky, satirical rom-coms.

About “Oh, Hi!”

Synopsis: Iris has met her perfect guy, Isaac, and is enjoying their first romantic getaway together — what could go wrong? This clever and charmingly odd dark comedy takes on the highs and lows of modern dating and the ways it makes us all a little crazy.

Director: Sophie Brooks

Writers: Sophie Brooks, Molly Gordon

Cast: Molly Gordon (Iris), Logan Lerman (Isaac), Geraldine Viswanathan (Max), John Reynolds (Kenny), David Cross (Steve)

Rated: R for sexual content/some nudity, and language.

Runtime: 1h 34m

Releases: July 25, 2025

Hong Le

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