When Netflix rolled out Office Romance last month, the buzz was almost entirely about the return of Jennifer Lopez to the rom‑com scene. The 94‑minute film, rated R for graphic nudity, sexual content and strong language, promised a nostalgic trip back to the early‑2000s era of light‑hearted, feel‑good cinema. Yet, despite the star power and the familiar office‑setting tropes, the movie ultimately feels like a tired echo of a decade that has long since moved on.
A Nostalgic Return to the 2000s
From the opening credits, the film tries to capture that retro vibe. The soundtrack kicks off with Hot Chocolate’s “I Believe In Miracles,” a 1970s hit that instantly transports viewers to the turn of the millennium. Jennifer Lopez, who first burst onto the scene with Selena and later became a household name in the rom‑com world with Maid in Manhattan and Monster‑in‑a‑Law, appears to be trying to recapture the charm of that era. However, the attempt feels more like a nostalgic exercise than a genuine homage.
Lopez’s recent filmography is a testament to her desire to revisit that golden age of romantic comedy. After the lukewarm reception of Second Act and Marry Me, she followed up with Shotgun Wedding—a film that, while visually polished, still relied heavily on the same formulaic beats. Office Romance is the latest in a string of projects that seem to be chasing the same old success without offering fresh perspective.
Plot and Characters: A Familiar Office Romance
At the heart of the story is Jackie Cruz, a driven CEO who co‑founded the airline AirCruz with her father, Jack, played by Edward James Olmos. Jackie is portrayed as a work‑aholic, a character archetype that has been used in countless office‑based narratives. Her life is all about spreadsheets, meetings, and the relentless pursuit of success, leaving little room for personal connection.
Enter Daniel, a shy British lawyer portrayed by Brett Goldstein. Daniel steps into AirCruz’s legal department after his boss, Peter (Bradley Whitford), is sidelined by an injury. Daniel’s philosophy is clear: keep your personal life separate from work. This belief is challenged when he and Jackie cross paths, and a spark ignites that threatens to blur the lines between professionalism and romance.
While the premise—two colleagues navigating a budding romance—has been explored in shows like Ally McBeal
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