Jennifer Lopez’s latest film, Office Romance has been a topic of much discussion among romcom enthusiasts. The film, which premiered in 2026, follows the story of Jackie Cruz, a CEO who finds herself in a complicated romantic entanglement with a new employee. With a premise that seems tailor-made for a hit, the film had high expectations to meet.
The film’s narrative revolves around Jackie Cruz, played by Lopez, who is the CEO of Air Cruz, an airline she built with her father. The story takes a turn when Daniel Blanchflower, a British lawyer played by Brett Goldstein, joins the company. Despite a strict no-office-romance policy, sparks fly between Jackie and Daniel, leading to a series of comedic and romantic misadventures.
Strengths of Office Romance
The film’s strongest points lie in its lead performances. Jennifer Lopez delivers a charismatic and engaging performance as Jackie Cruz. Her chemistry with Brett Goldstein is palpable, especially in scenes where the script allows their characters to connect on a deeper level. One such moment is a dinner scene in the Dominican Republic, where the two characters share a genuine connection that transcends the typical romcom banter.
Betty Gilpin’s portrayal of Sydney, Jackie’s executive assistant, is another highlight. Gilpin brings a unique blend of humor and unpredictability to her role, making Sydney one of the most interesting characters in the film. Her physical comedy is particularly noteworthy, with moments that are both hilarious and well-executed.
The Mid-Credits Scene
One of the film’s standout moments is the mid-credits scene, featuring Tony Hale as the HR manager. This scene is not only the funniest of the film but also serves as a perfect conclusion to the story. It’s a testament to the film’s ability to deliver unexpected laughs even after the main narrative has concluded.
Weaknesses and Missed Opportunities
Despite its strengths, Office Romance falls short in several areas. The film’s runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes feels unnecessarily long, with several subplots that drag the story down. The cultural difference angle, intended to add depth to Daniel’s character, fails to land effectively, making him appear more out of touch than culturally nuanced.
The supporting characters, including Bradley Whitford and Edward James Olmos, are underutilized. Their potential is wasted in subplots that add little to the Amy Sedaris, known for her comedic talent, is also squandered in a role that doesn’t allow her to shine.
The Writing and Humor
The film’s writing is a significant letdown, especially considering the talents of its writers. Brett Goldstein and Joe Kelly, known for their sharp writing in Ted Lasso, seem to have missed the mark with Office Romance. The script relies heavily on profanity and crass humor, which often falls flat and feels forced.
Office Romance had the potential to be a standout romcom, but it ultimately falls short of its promise. While Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein deliver commendable performances, the film’s weak writing and underutilized supporting cast hold it back. For dedicated romcom fans, the film may be worth a watch, but for others, there are better ways to spend two hours.
In the meantime, Jennifer Lopez has been keeping busy with other projects. Fresh off the release of Office Romance, she made a stunning appearance at Paris Fashion Week. Her sheer dress, reminiscent of the film’s romantic theme, was a hit on the red carpet. Lopez’s fashion choices continue to captivate audiences, proving that she is not only a talented actress but also a style icon.
