The Love Hypothesis streams exclusively on Prime Video starting September 23.
Ali Hazelwood's 2021 New York Times bestseller, The Love Hypothesis, has been adapted into a Prime Video film that is both an accessible rom-com and a meta-commentary for dedicated fans. The story originated from Hazelwood's frustration with the Star Wars sequels, leading her to 'fix' the outcomes for Rey and Kylo Ren/Ben Solo through fan fiction, which eventually evolved into the published novel and now this movie.
For general audiences, the film offers a charming watch driven by the chemistry between leads Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman. However, for those familiar with its Star Wars roots, the adaptation is packed with easter eggs tailored specifically for them. The core narrative follows Olive Smith (Reinhart), a third-year Stanford University PhD student struggling in a male-dominated scientific field. Her support system includes her best friend Anh (Rachel Marsh), who helps Olive navigate her social life and introduces her to friends like Malcolm (Jaboukie Young-White). When Olive's crush, Jeremy (Nicholas Duvernay), shows interest in Anh, Olive fabricates a boyfriend to maintain their girl code. This lie backfires, forcing Olive to kiss the first man she sees to maintain the charade: the intimidating Dr. Adam Carlsen (Bateman).
The fake relationship becomes a necessity for both Olive and Adam. Carlsen needs to appear grounded to secure his grant money, as Stanford suspects he might leave for another institution. Their public performances of affection escalate into awkward intimacies, and their fabricated 'meet-cute' story is shared with his colleagues. Director Claire Scanlon allows these moments to unfold naturally, enhancing their comedic potential with the ensemble cast, particularly Marsh and Young-White, who deliver sharp reactions and quips that underscore the silliness of the fake-dating premise while strengthening the sense of found family.
Reinhart and Bateman effectively portray the thawing of their socially awkward characters into a believable romance. While they are conventionally attractive, their performances convey characters who have kept the world at bay, only to find solace in each other. Their comedic timing is strong, and the moments of genuine honesty and shared loneliness between them build a compelling foundation for their friendship and burgeoning attraction.
Sarah Rothschild's script streamlines the STEM aspects of the story. An homage to Martha Coolidge's 1985 film Real Genius adds a touch of color and context to Olive's academic world, though the film's antagonist, who plays a larger role in the book, is underdeveloped here, serving more as a one-note obstacle. The screenplay compensates by dedicating more screen time to the relationship between Olive and Anh, emphasizing the strength of their bond as the bedrock of the fake-dating scheme. This focus on female friendship provides a deeper layer to the romantic narrative.
For fans tracking the story from its Star Wars origins, the film includes numerous easter eggs, such as specific musical cues and color palettes. The production acknowledges and respects this original fandom with a clear sense of humor.
Ultimately, The Love Hypothesis serves as a gentle satire of romance tropes, particularly the enemies-to-lovers dynamic, and a celebration of female friendship. The creative team behind the film understood the novel's appeal and successfully translated its earnest yet tongue-in-cheek tone to the screen. The chemistry between Reinhart and Bateman is central to the film's success, delivering the essential romantic connection that defines the genre.
Verdict The Love Hypothesis is a funny, sexy rom-com adaptation from page to screen. Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman bring the comedy and heat to Olive and Adam, while Rachel Marsh and Jaboukie Young-White provide great support in a very charming ensemble.