Netflix’s “Office Romance” proves that the romantic comedy is far from dead. Starring Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein, this breezy workplace romance combines humor, heart, and just enough raunchiness to feel refreshingly adult.
At the center of the film is the undeniable chemistry between Lopez and Goldstein. From their first scenes together, sparks fly. Lopez effortlessly commands the screen as Jackie Cruz, a powerful airline CEO, while Goldstein brings his signature wit, charm, and vulnerability to the role of Daniel Blanchflower, the company’s new British lawyer.
The Origin Story: Conceived on a Train Ride
What makes this pairing so spectacular is the pure, unfiltered “wishcasting” that brought it to life. The film’s origin story is almost a rom-com in itself: co-writers Brett Goldstein and Joe Kelly (“Ted Lasso”) were riding a train between Manchester and London, lamenting that the world hadn’t seen a truly “banging,” hard-joke romantic comedy in years. They decided to write one themselves, and when discussing their absolute dream lead, both immediately thought of Jennifer Lopez.
Goldstein, a self-professed scholar of Lopez’s filmography, concocted a love letter to workaholics with a script tailored specifically for her. In fact, they sent it to her with a bold note: We wrote this for you. If you don’t do it, we’re not even making the movie.
Reflecting on why she leaped at the script, Lopez noted how refreshing it felt to step into a comedy with a bit more bite:
“Office Romance is a very classic romantic comedy, but with these unexpected jokes. It’s a little different from the other romantic comedies that I made, which are very sweet and wholesome.”
— Jennifer Lopez
Flipping the J.Lo Rom-Com Formula
For those who have followed Lopez’s legendary rom-com career, “Office Romance” offers a brilliant twist on her classic archetype. Think back to her iconic roles in films like “The Wedding Planner” or “Maid in Manhattan”, she has traditionally played the charming underdog, the “low-status” worker aspiring to build a life from the outskirts of high society.
“Office Romance” completely flips the script. This time, Lopez holds the keys to the kingdom—and the keys to the corporate jet. As the intimidating, high-powered CEO of Air Cruz, she runs a tight ship with a strict anti-fraternization policy. It delivers a refreshingly mature, grown-up dynamic, watching an established, uber-successful woman navigate the terrifying vulnerability of letting her guard down. Taking the power move a step further, J.Lo’s character is also a licensed pilot who isn’t afraid to flex her aviation skills, gladly whisking her new beau away for a spontaneous, high-flying weekend getaway. Talk about upgrading to first class.
Behind the scenes, Lopez admitted that working with Goldstein challenged her expectations, especially given his famously grumpy, tough-talking “Ted Lasso” persona:
“I thought he’d be a little rough around the edges, but he’s actually incredibly thoughtful, gentle, intelligent, and charming.”
— Jennifer Lopez
The film also offers a heartwarming reunion behind the camera: Edward James Olmos stars as her onscreen father, marking the first time the pair have shared a set since he played her father in the 1997 classic “Selena.”
Chemistry and “Hard Jokes”
What makes “Office Romance” especially enjoyable is its willingness to embrace both romance and comedy without playing it safe. The film leans into cheeky, grown-up humor and a surprisingly raunchy edge that recalls the romantic comedies of the early 2000s while still feeling contemporary.
When discussing the effortless, off-screen banter that translated so perfectly onto film, Goldstein jokingly credited Lopez’s sheer acting power for making him look good:
“We were very lucky as soon as we met—oh, it was easy, it was fun, we were laughing all the time. But you could also argue she’s a phenomenal actor and could have chemistry with a bin… and maybe I’m just a bin.”
— Brett Goldstein
On a more serious note regarding the pressure of making the romance believable, Goldstein pointed out how vital their connection was to the film’s success:
“Thank god everyone thinks this, because the worst thing would be a rom-com where you’re going, ‘I do not want to see these two kiss.’ That would be a disaster.”
— Brett Goldstein
Let’s Talk About The Supporting Cast
The supporting cast is incredibly deep, pulling a stellar lineup of familiar faces who bring a relentless barrage of laughs. Betty Gilpin, whom fans will instantly recognize from her Emmy-nominated turn in “GLOW” , nearly steals the entire movie as Sydney, turning in a masterclass of comedic timing as an eagle-eyed, heavily pregnant executive assistant. Gilpin goes absolutely all-in for the role, culminating in an insane, hilariously unhinged birthing scene that gives audiences “the full monty” in a way that has truly never been shown on screen before.
Behind the Air Cruz HR door, “Veep” alum Tony Hale is brilliantly anxious, while comedic powerhouse Amy Sedaris (“Strangers with Candy”) and former “Doctor Who” star Jodie Whittaker help populate a delightfully chaotic, lively corporate workplace. Adding a perfect layer of office absurdity to the mix is “Star Trek: Discovery” breakout Mary Wiseman as Clair, the boundary-challenged secretary who fundamentally doesn’t grasp the concept of “TMI.” Clair completely blurs the line between personal and professional information, routinely oversharing the wildest, most inappropriate details directly to her boss.
Then there is Bradley Whitford, bringing his signature “The West Wing” and “Get Out” gravity to a completely absurd situation as Peter Vance, Air Cruz’s hardscrabble legacy lawyer who has so much to say he literally cannot stop talking long enough to properly chew his food. In a brilliant stroke of comedic plotting, Peter’s aggressive showdown with a breakfast burrito from a food truck results in a choke-hazard disaster, creating a massive, unexpected career opportunity for Daniel.
And a must-mention are Lisa Gilroy as Tanya and Will Sasso as Larry, who play unfortunate dates with little control over their emotions and alcohol consumption with a comedic panache not often seen. It’s a stellar ensemble that effortlessly elevates the material and ensures the film remains endlessly entertaining.
The Verdict
Directed by Ol Parker (“Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again”), “Office Romance” understands exactly what audiences want from a feel-good romantic comedy: attractive leads, witty dialogue, plenty of laughs, and a romance worth rooting for. Moving smoothly from the urban, waterfront energy of Hoboken, New Jersey, to a gorgeous luxury retreat in the Dominican Republic, it is a visually stunning ride.
It may not reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. For viewers longing for the return of smart, sexy, and genuinely funny romantic comedies, “Office Romance” is a welcome reminder of why we fell in love with the genre in the first place.
Where to Watch: “Office Romance” is now streaming exclusively on Netflix.
Photos: Courtesy of Netflix.
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