Rom-Com Review: The Love Hypothesis Struggles with Chemistry
The Prime Video adaptation of Ali Hazelwood's novel fails to generate spark between its leads despite strong comedic elements.
By Tunde Bailey ·
Prime Video’s adaptation of Ali Hazelwood’s novel, The Love Hypothesis, premiered on Sept. 23 to high anticipation but mixed results.
Lili Reinhart stars as Olive Smith, a Stanford Ph.D. student, while Tom Bateman plays Adam Carlsen, a research department head known informally as Dr. Evil.
The plot follows a standard fake-dating trope. Olive kisses Adam to convince her best friend Ahn that she is unavailable. Adam then proposes a formal agreement to secure his research funding, and Olive agrees to help Ahn pursue her own crush.
The film relies heavily on Olive, who drives the narrative with relatable, awkward humor. Her character arc involves overcoming the specific struggles women face in STEM fields, including misogynistic professors and a predatory researcher.
The central romantic connection, however, lacks necessary development. The on-screen chemistry between Reinhart and Bateman remains elusive, making their progression from strangers to lovers feel abrupt. The climax of their relationship arrives without sufficient buildup, leaving viewers without a clear sense of their passion.
Adam Carlsen remains a flat character throughout the runtime. His backstory offers a superficial excuse for his antisocial behavior, making him less complex than his counterpart. The writing prioritizes Olive’s personal journey over the development of the couple’s dynamic.
The film earns its three-out-of-five rating for its strong comedy and detailed costuming that accurately reflects graduate student life. The friendship between Olive and Ahn also stands out as a compelling element. Despite these strengths, the movie fails to deliver the intense romantic tension expected from the genre.
