'The Perfect Find' Finds a Good Match in its Leads But Is Full of Cliches
Although the world did not need another rom-com about a woman juggling romance and career, The Perfect Find features the chemistry between Gabrielle Union and Keith Powers as the romantic leads, bringing the film some much-needed life. While rom-com fans will certainly enjoy this film directed by Numa Perrier, the film fails to break out of the well-trodden romantic comedy mold, leading to an ultimately uninspired viewing experience. The film, however, is perfectly watchable, with a few solid jokes and blush-worthy bits of romance. The atmosphere also feels comforting and familiar, fitting well within the romantic comedy formula.
Gabrielle Union stars as Jenna, a recently single woman who is pursuing a career in fashion. After instantly connecting with Eric (Keith Powers) at a bar, she later realizes that Eric is her boss Darcy’s (Gina Torres) son, who is working at their company Darzine as a videographer. The two are forced to work together, which leads to a blossoming romance. The couple’s situation gets complicated as they must hide their relationship from Darcy. The relationship gets hairier as Jenna must learn to move on from her ten-year relationship with Brian (DB Woodside) that recently ended, and find herself.
The film’s engaging aspects come from the romance at the center of the film, with clear attraction between its two leads. However, the plot surrounding this romance does little to engage this allure fully. The film grapples with Jenna trying to balance her career and romance, which is probably the single most cliche plot device in romantic comedies. The career-related aspects of the film are not necessarily boring, but they do very little to enhance the viewing experience of the film besides adding stakes for the romance.
Although certainly well-acted, the film does not save itself from this error. Watching the film ends up feeling empty, as you wait for the next plot point that comes in every other romantic comedy; the couple engages in a will-they-won’t-they dynamic for the first third to half of the film before facing a major setback two-thirds of the way through. There isn’t enough here to extend beyond that familiar framework seen in most rom-coms, making much of the film feel like it is spinning its wheels.
The saving grace of the film comes from Gabrielle Union and Keith Powers. They share an energy on screen that enlivens most of the film. The scenes between them feel genuine and electric, with chemistry that permeates throughout the film. Jenna’s arc here also provides a lot of intrigue; she is someone grappling with losing everything and trying to build something from that. She had been dumped from a ten-year relationship, leaving her with a lost sense of identity. Her ability to build back her life here, both within her career and romantic pursuits, is compelling.
The banter between the two leads is often engaging, funny, and flirty, giving the film a sense of life it needs. Union and Powers feel natural together, even as the fifteen-year age difference causes some turbulence in the film. The two come from different generations yet still feel fitting for each other, both mature enough in their own ways. The film, at times, relies too heavily on the chemistry between these two to make the film engaging, but Union and Powers are more than up to the task. They have both the comedic and romantic chemistry needed for every good romantic-comedy couple, being able to shift from joking to flirting on a dime.
Sadly, the end of the film is ultimately a bit disappointing. The pregnancy reveal is a cheap way to bring them both together, forcing them back together without making a decision on their romance. The two don’t decide to stay together but do so out of obligation. The film certainly would have been more interesting if the two had either fallen in love in their own right or went their separate ways. This ending leaves the couple in a bit of an unclear state, still together but seemingly more so out of necessity than anything else. The last words of the film are the film’s title, a device acceptable a few decades ago but groan-worthy now. These kinds of cliches can ultimately make the film frustrating, especially since these leads could uphold a much more inspired romantic comedy.
While still uninspired, the atmosphere of the film feels quite comfortable. This comfort gives the film a sense of watchability, with a positively familiar feel. The film isn’t trying to be dramatic or insightful, and that isn’t something to hold against it. The romance still feels palpable, and that is the most important aspect. This wasn’t meant to reinvent the wheel, and that is not a bad thing. This familiarity makes the viewing experience low-stakes and easy, perfect for watching on the couch after a long day.
While The Perfect Find may not convert any romantic comedy cynics, the film has a comfortable, slow feel that makes it a pleasant viewing experience. The refusal to explore beyond the usual rom-com formula can be frustrating, but the chemistry between the film’s leads makes it worthwhile. Audiences looking for something new from romantic comedies should probably check out another film, but if you’re looking for a light, easy watch, this film might be a perfect find for you.
