There’s a new romantic comedy on Netflix, and it looks like they hope it’ll sweep us off our feet. This movie stars Netflix favorite Noah Centineo (known for “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”) as Brooks Rattigan, a middle-class high school student dreaming of an Ivy League education. To earn money for tuition, Brooks becomes the perfect escort for a lively high schooler named Celia (Laura Marano). When he realizes he’s good at being someone else, his friend Murphy (Odiseas Georgiadis) creates a dating app that allows people to hire him as a “plus one” for any occasion.
“The Perfect Date” is cute and serves as a fun reminder of why so many people enjoy romantic comedies. The script cleverly uses a dating app to introduce Brooks to a variety of interesting women, although only one truly captures his attention.
The amusing premise involves Brooks going on multiple one-time dates, each with different girls for various reasons, whether it’s to practice dating or to have a dance partner. The story remains colorful and interesting as it showcases how Brooks gets into character for each outing. However, what truly stands out are the interactions between Celia and Brooks. Their genuine connection and entertaining stereotypes make their friendship work, even if their development could use a bit more balance.
Celia is full of sass, a trait many viewers enjoy, while Brooks is depicted as a true gentleman. Noah Centineo’s portrayal of Brooks is refreshing, and Laura Marano plays Celia convincingly with her no-care attitude that hides a deeper layer. The parents’ roles in the lives of the characters are also significant and well-executed, adding depth to the story.
In the end, while “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” might do the romantic comedy genre slightly better, “The Perfect Date” is still entertaining and endearing. It’s a fun watch that will make you smile and is another enjoyable Netflix original featuring Noah Centineo. If you’re looking for something sassy for your next cozy night in, consider giving this film a try.
Content: There’s some minor innuendo, minor profanity, and underage parties. The film is rated TV-14.
Where to watch: You can stream “The Perfect Date” on Netflix.
