Gabrielle Union's New Movie Is a Fresh Twist on the Classic Rom-Com—& It Just Hit #2 on Netflix

Based on Tia Williams’s book of the same name, it revolves around Jenna Jones (Gabrielle Union), a famous 40-year-old fashion editor who falls from grace after getting fired from her job and dumped by her gorgeous boyfriend of 10 years. Desperate to bounce back, she begs for a job from her old nemesis, but things get complicated when she catches feelings for her Gen-Z coworker, who also happens to be her boss’s son. 

Perhaps you’re already thinking that this is just another fairytale comedy, but The Perfect Find, which is now streaming on Netflix, manages to be both charming and raw, mixing the old with the new. Cute, wholesome moments are balanced with raunchy jokes, steamy makeout sessions and honest conversations about past trauma. But aside from the sizzling chemistry between the main characters, Jenna and Eric (Keith Powers), the film’s biggest strength is how it handles Jenna’s incredibly difficult journey.

Speaking of romance, the chemistry between Union and Powers is undeniable from the moment they first cross paths at a party. Within minutes of their first exchange, Jenna and Eric are lip-locked on the couch. And despite Jenna’s best efforts to move past it the next day, she’s forced to partner with the same guy at work. What ensues is an awkward love/hate dynamic. She thinks he’s spoiled and entitled. He thinks she embodies the angry Black woman stereotype from Tyler Perry movies. But even when they bicker and fight, there’s sexual tension.

It’s refreshing to see a charming, yet honest romance that pays homage to iconic titles like Carmen Jones. (Expect a few easter eggs.) And we love that it shines the spotlight on a woman in her 40s.

But for a rom-com, it definitely could’ve delivered more laughs. Quite a few of the jokes fall flat, while some are amusing enough make you smile at most. But thankfully, there are a few scenes that include Jenna’s outspoken friends (played by La La Anthony and Aisha Hinds), who are genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. 

This aside, The Perfect Find does a stellar job of shedding light on what it’s like to rebuild a career while navigating a complicated love life. And if you ask us, Union and Powers are an unstoppable duo.

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