'Office Romance' Review: Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein Lead a Netflix Rom-Com That Loves Work More Than Romance
Netflix’s Office Romance sets out to deliver a lighthearted romantic comedy centered on workplace attraction, but its fixation on professional ambition often overwhelms the romance at its core.
Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein star in a rom-com that struggles to balance workplace ambition and genuine romance.
The film follows Jackie, played by Jennifer Lopez, the CEO of the highly successful New Jersey airline Air Cruz, and Daniel, the company’s in-house counsel, portrayed by Brett Goldstein, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Joe Kelly. While their relationship is built on mutual attraction, it is equally defined by an intense devotion to their careers.
Netflix
From the outset, the movie presents a world where work is not merely a necessity but a passion. Characters speak about their jobs with an enthusiasm that borders on obsession. Jackie and Daniel are united not only by their positions within the company but by a shared commitment to endless hours at the office. Their immediate attraction is obvious, leading to an awkward yet memorable first encounter that establishes the film’s romantic premise.
Both characters are depicted as people whose personal lives have been sacrificed in favor of professional success. Daniel avoids forming meaningful relationships, even with colleagues, while Jackie is portrayed inconsistently as both a ruthless executive and an approachable woman who is frequently misunderstood. The film struggles to reconcile these opposing versions of her character.
The supporting cast injects much-needed energy into the story. Betty Gilpin shines as Sydney, Jackie’s fiercely loyal assistant, whose dedication to work rivals that of her boss. Sydney’s hostility toward Daniel becomes a recurring source of comedy, elevated by Gilpin’s performance.
Other supporting players leave strong impressions as well. Jodie Whittaker delivers a standout turn as Daniel’s outspoken sister Lizzy, while Bradley Whitford and Tony Hale contribute memorable comedic moments in smaller roles. Their appearances hint at a more ensemble-driven comedy that might have been more successful than the film audiences ultimately receive.
As the narrative progresses, the focus shifts increasingly toward Jackie and Daniel’s relationship. The stakes are presented as significant: Jackie risks losing control of her family’s airline amid false accusations, while Daniel worries about professional consequences of his own. The story intends for their romance to feel transformative, suggesting that two people consumed by work are discovering a richer life beyond the office.
Unfortunately, that emotional payoff never fully materializes. While there are enjoyable moments between them—including a dance set to a tropical cover of Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You” and playful exchanges surrounding Jackie’s affection for British culture—the chemistry between Lopez and Goldstein rarely rises above that of friendly coworkers. The relationship never convincingly reaches the emotional heights the screenplay demands.
The film’s approach to intimacy further complicates matters. Although the script frequently references a passionate relationship, much of that connection remains off-screen. Scenes that seem poised to deepen the romance often cut away before meaningful emotional or physical intimacy can be explored. This restraint feels especially inconsistent with a screenplay that occasionally aims for a more provocative comedic tone.
Ultimately, Office Romance arrives at its expected romantic conclusion through a familiar third-act resolution and grand gesture. Yet even during its emotional climax, the film remains preoccupied with professional fulfillment. Expressions of love quickly become intertwined with declarations about working together and treating coworkers like family.
That emphasis on workplace devotion defines the movie’s greatest weakness. Despite strong comedic performances from the supporting cast and a handful of charming moments, Office Romance never fully convinces as either a sweeping romance or a carefree comedy. Instead, it leaves the impression of a film more enamored with work itself than with the love story it set out to tell.
