Oh, Hi! (2025)
Directed by: Sophie Brooks
Premise: Iris and Isaac (Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman) travel to an isolated cabin for a weekend getaway. In the midst of their holiday, Isaac reveals that he isn’t as committed to their relationship, putting Iris in a crisis.
What Works: Oh, Hi! successfully combines elements of different genres. It begins as a straightforward romance. Iris and Isaac are lovers in the honeymoon stage of their relationship and the first portion of Oh, Hi! is quite idyllic with romantic and sexual energy. One of the key strengths of the film is the casting of Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman in the lead roles. As a couple they are immensely likable. Iris and Isaac are the kind of couple that the audience will want to see together and when Isaac reveals that this is in fact a situationship it’s a heartbreaking moment. Oh, Hi! pivots its story and tone with Isaac imprisoned in the cabin while Iris tries to sort out their relationship. The filmmakers skillfully manipulate the tone and our sympathies. After Isaac’s initial confession, we’re disposed to be on Iris’ side but then she behaves increasingly erratic, complicating the viewer’s sympathies. The characters are presented in ways that give us some insight into their choices and Oh, Hi! satirizes elements of contemporary culture. This is a scenario in which everyone is wrong and no one is necessarily right. That could be off putting but the characters are so likable and the film is so funny and unpredictable that the circumstances are engaging.
What Doesn’t: Oh, Hi! presents itself as a story about the pitfalls of contemporary romance and for awhile it does address some of those issues but the film ultimately opts out of asking any difficult questions. When Isaac admits his true feelings, Iris sets about trying to force him to like her and Oh, Hi! cleverly plays on romantic comedy tropes. But things slip when Iris’ close friend and her partner (Geraldine Viswanathan and John Reynolds) show up. Any exploration of courtship and the relations between men and women gets jettisoned at that point and Oh, Hi! becomes a different kind of movie. The focus pivots to a legal and moral conundrum. It’s still funny and engaging but the film loses its most interesting aspect. The ending sidesteps any tangible consequences. Ultimately, Oh, Hi! does not say much about romance, dating, or people’s emotional needs and the resolution dodges the legal and moral problems.
Bottom Line: Oh, Hi! is very funny and has impressive central performances by Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman. The movie comes up short as an examination of contemporary romance but it is very well acted and a lively and enjoyable film.
Episode: #1059 (August 3, 2025)