With recent romance movies struggling to recapture the magic of the 2000s old-school rom-com, many people find themselves reminiscing about the nostalgic essence that made those films so memorable. “Office Romance” puts a modern twist on traditional romance films through the classic forbidden workplace romance trope.
The movie was released on June 6 and was directed by Ol Parker, who is well known for his expertise in writing rom-coms. His experience directing similar films is seen in “Office Romance,” which balances sweet, wholesome scenes with lighter, comedic moments between the lead characters.
“Office Romance” stars Jennifer Lopez, who plays Jacqueline Cruz, and Brett Goldstein, who plays Daniel Blanchflower and also co-wrote the movie along with Joe Kelly. Goldstein and Kelly wrote the script specifically with Lopez in mind as the female lead, stating that the film would have been scrapped without her. Although not having a backup plan may seem unwise, Goldstein’s vision of Lopez as the lead was perfect.
Unlike many traditional rom-coms, where the female lead is often portrayed as a “damsel in distress,” Cruz is the president and CEO of Air Cruz, a rising airline founded by her father. Cruz’s high-ranking occupation sets the tone for her independent and seemingly cold personality.
Despite generating success for the airline, many members of the board of directors still look down on her and acknowledge her solely as the boss’s daughter. “Office Romance” successfully captures the reality for many women in the workplace—being constantly undermined and belittled, solely because of their gender.
While Cruz’s personality and occupation are significantly modernized, the chemistry and authenticity between the characters is what makes “Office Romance” feel like a classic old-school film.
From the moment they met, Cruz and Blanchflower had undeniable chemistry. However, because of their relationship as coworkers, neither of them made a move on the other. This iconic trope keeps their relationship tense while also setting the stage for many of the funny scenes later throughout the movie.
Despite the company’s strict zero-tolerance policy on workplace relationships, Cruz and Blanchflower continue to get to know each other. Although Cruz appears to be a cold workaholic from the outside, her silly, vulnerable side comes out as she becomes more comfortable with Blanchflower.
Many modern rom-coms often lack natural, authentic chemistry between the main love interests; however, the stellar performances by Lopez and Goldstein make the scenes with Cruz and Blanchflower feel genuine. Their classic enemies-to-lovers dynamic also plays a crucial role in creating tension and romantic spark between the characters.
While the plot of the movie is somewhat unrealistic and anticipated, the predictable storyline and slightly cringy scenes are what made “Office Romance” really feel like an old-school film. For movie lovers who miss the charm and humor of a classic rom-com, “Office Romance” is a must-watch!
