The new Netflix romantic comedy "Office Romance," starring Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein, has hit the streaming platform amid persistent rumors of a real-life relationship between the two stars. While Lopez has denied any romantic involvement, the film, which sees them play a boss and her employee who fall for each other, has sparked renewed gossip.
Directed by Ol Parker, known for "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again" and "Ticket to Paradise," the film co-stars Goldstein as Daniel Blanchflower, a British lawyer at a New Jersey-based airline, Air Cruz, led by Lopez's character, Jackie Cruz. Their relationship is forbidden by company policy, with the threat of instant dismissal for any infractions.
Critics have noted the palpable chemistry between Lopez and Goldstein, a sentiment partly attributed to Goldstein's involvement in the screenplay alongside "Ted Lasso" co-creator Joe Kelly. However, the film's execution has received mixed reactions. Reviewers have pointed to an uneven tone and humor that, at times, falls flat or is deemed inappropriate.
Some comedic elements have been lauded, including a birthing scene involving Lopez's character's pregnant second-in-command, played by Betty Gilpin, and a sequence involving a food truck and "The West Wing" star Bradley Whitford. Goldstein's co-writing also contributes to moments like a cultural misunderstanding involving a football analogy that requires extensive explanation.
However, other comedic attempts have been criticized. One review pointed to a scene involving sudden sexual arousal as ridiculous and out of place, while another highlighted the repeated and, in the reviewer's opinion, dishonest use of the C-word, particularly jarring given Goldstein's British background and awareness of the word's impact.
Despite these critiques, Lopez's star power is often cited as a key factor in carrying the film. The supporting cast, including Betty Gilpin as Jackie's protective second-in-command, also drew positive mentions for their performances.
"Office Romance" is available for streaming on Netflix.