Netflix’s New Corny Rom-Com Is the Best Feel-Good Movie in Ages

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Romantic comedies have been a consistent part of the movie landscape, and probably always will be, even though people’s interest in predictable love stories goes up and down. The last ten years have been tough for the genre, as audiences grew tired of overly dramatic and unrealistic portrayals of romance crammed into a 90-minute timeframe. These relationships often felt either dull, unbelievable, or over-the-top, and the constant focus on extreme romance started to lose viewers. But recently, streaming services have seen a resurgence in romantic comedies, especially with the success of films like *Anyone But You*, starring Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney, which seems to have found a winning formula.

Rom-coms are making a comeback, thanks to a wave of new releases on streaming services – and some believe Taylor Swift’s influence is part of the reason. But Netflix’s recent offering, *French Lover*, feels particularly special. This French romantic comedy, directed by Lisa-Nina Rives, brings a fresh perspective to the genre. Starring Omar Sy as a famous actor named Abel Camara and Sara Giraudeau as Marion, a woman going through a divorce, the film follows their surprising connection as they try to build a relationship while dealing with public attention and the opinions of those around them. *French Lover* stands out from the crowd, and here’s what makes it different.

An Intriguing Balance Between Realistic and Unrealistic


© Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

Romantic comedies often felt unsatisfying, even while watching them, because the on-screen relationships didn’t seem genuine – especially before the release of movies like the one starring Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney. The genre usually relies on improbable couples facing unbelievable challenges, all neatly resolved with humor. While this formula can be fun, it often creates a disconnect for viewers. Ultimately, the goal should be to help the audience connect with the characters, empathize with their struggles, and truly feel invested in their journey.

Okay, so after a bit of a rom-com drought, *French Lover* definitely delivers! What I really appreciated was how grounded it felt – it doesn’t shy away from reality while still giving you that classic rom-com feeling. The leads, Abel and Marion, are total opposites. He’s a huge celebrity, practically Paris’s golden boy, and she’s a divorced woman struggling with feeling like a failure. You wouldn’t expect them to even meet, but the movie makes their connection feel surprisingly genuine. Sure, there are a few moments that lean a little *too* hard into the cheese factor – a few eye-rolls here and there – but honestly, it needs that little bit of fluff. *French Lover* really strikes a nice balance between believable and fantastical, and ultimately, it doesn’t lose sight of what makes a rom-com enjoyable.

‘French Lover’ Is a Refreshing Take on Rom-Coms


Netflix

When you think of romantic comedies, you probably picture things like clumsy first encounters, kisses in the rain, and big, public declarations of love. Movies like *My Oxford Year* and *French Lover* definitely include those familiar elements, but *French Lover* puts its own unique spin on them. Like all great rom-coms, this one—starring Omar Sy and Sara Giraudeau—is full of humor and romance. However, it avoids overly dramatic or explicit scenes, opting instead for a lighthearted and playful tone that makes it a genuinely enjoyable watch. The story isn’t high-stakes, but it’s still touching and keeps you rooting for the main characters to find happiness in both their everyday lives and their relationship.

“French Lover” proves that romantic comedies don’t need big, dramatic moments to be enjoyable. It’s a refreshing story that focuses on the quiet connection between two people who genuinely help each other grow. This Netflix film is a welcome escape, offering a chance to relax, feel good, and enjoy a sweet, funny romance. It’s easily one of the most heartwarming movies in a long time, and hopefully, it will inspire similar films. You can stream “French Lover” on Netflix now.

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2025-10-18 21:03