Name: Meet Cute
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Released: 2022-09-21T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Kaley Cuoco, Pete Davidson, Deborah S. Craig, Sierra Fisk, Wesley Holloway

The tanning bed hums with an otherworldly glow, its chrome surface reflecting the neon lights of June’s nail salon like a portal to another dimension. This is where Meet Cute (2022), directed by Alexandre Lehmann, begins its wildly inventive deconstruction of the romantic comedy genre. The film asks a provocative question: What if you could travel back in time to heal your loved one’s traumas and mold them into the perfect partner? It’s a premise that immediately sets the tone for a blend of romance, science fiction, and existential musing—one that leans heavily on the tropes of romantic comedies while subverting their expectations.

Kaley Cuoco stars as Sheila, a Manhattan resident who discovers the tanning bed in June’s salon is actually a time machine. The film’s central premise hinges on her ability to revisit key moments in Gary’s (Pete Davidson) past—Gary being the meek, emotionally stunted man she meets at a bar. The idea of rewriting one’s partner’s history to create an idealized love story is both intriguing and unsettling, and Lehmann’s direction leans into this tension with a mix of humor and pathos.

Cuoco delivers a performance that balances wit and vulnerability, making Sheila a compelling protagonist despite the absurdity of her time-traveling escapades. She brings a sharp, fast-talking energy to the role, grounding the film in a sense of authenticity even as it ventures into sci-fi territory. Davidson, meanwhile, is solid if somewhat one-note as Gary. His performance leans heavily on his established comedic persona, which works well enough for the film’s lighter moments but leaves little room for emotional depth when the story demands it.

The supporting cast is a mix of familiar faces and lesser-known talents, each contributing to the film’s dynamic in different ways. Deborah S. Craig as June, the salon owner, adds a layer of warmth and wisdom to the narrative, while Kevin Corrigan as Phil the Bartender provides some of the film’s most memorable comedic beats. However, characters like Sierra Fisk as Sandra and Hari Nef as Chai feel underdeveloped, their potential left unexplored amidst the film’s focus on Sheila and Gary.

Lehmann’s direction is visually sharp, with a keen eye for detail that makes the most of the film’s sci-fi elements. The tanning bed as a time machine is a clever twist, adding a layer of absurdity that keeps the narrative engaging. The film’s strongest moments are those that blend humor and emotional weight, such as Sheila’s first foray into Gary’s past. This scene effectively captures the film’s central theme: the tension between destiny and intervention.

However, Meet Cute stumbles in its pacing and structural coherence. The narrative jumps between timelines with varying degrees of success, sometimes feeling disjointed. The film’s attempt to blend comedy, romance, and science fiction results in a tonal whiplash that undermines its emotional resonance. Additionally, the supporting characters are underutilized, their potential left unexplored.

The film’s originality is both its greatest strength and weakness. While the premise is innovative, the execution sometimes falters, leaving the audience with a sense of missed opportunities. The genre fit is solid, but the film struggles to fully commit to any single genre, resulting in a narrative that feels fragmented at times.

Meet Cute is a film that dares to ask big questions about love and fate but doesn’t always deliver satisfying answers. It is a movie for those who enjoy romantic comedies with a twist, but it may leave viewers craving more depth and coherence. The performances by Cuoco and Davidson are commendable, but the supporting cast could have been given more to work with.

In comparison to other recent romantic comedies, Meet Cute stands out for its sci-fi elements and exploration of the “meet cute” trope. However, it lacks the emotional depth and narrative cohesion of films like Past Lives. While Meet Cute is innovative in its approach, it falls short of delivering a fully satisfying experience.

Ultimately, Meet Cute is a film that will appeal to fans of romantic comedies looking for something different. It offers a unique take on the genre but struggles with pacing and structural issues. The performances are strong, particularly Cuoco’s, but the supporting cast is underutilized. The film’s exploration of time travel as a metaphor for love and self-discovery is thought-provoking, even if its execution leaves something to be desired.

The film’s central question—what would you do if you could heal your loved one’s traumas?—is a compelling one, and Lehmann’s direction brings a fresh perspective to the romantic comedy genre.