'Oh, Hi!' Review: Logan Lerman Charms in This Offbeat Indie About Awkward Love and Second Chances
- Romey Norton
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
By Romey Norton - February 3, 2025
Film - Indie - Shorts - TV - Premium TV
There’s something instantly charming about Oh, Hi!, it’s the kind of film that feels like it wandered in from another decade, quiet, funny in an understated way, and carried by characters who keep you guessing. With themes of relationships, modern dating, and crime, this quirky romantic drama finds fresh footing in its awkward honesty and emotional weight.
What is Oh, Hi! About?
Set over 33 hours, and in a version of Los Angeles that’s more green and dusty bookstores than influencers and rooftop parties, Oh, Hi! follows Isaac (Logan Lerman), and his “girlfriend” named Iris (Molly Gordon), who take a trip together that takes unpredictable turns. The film unfurls as a kind of slow-burning getting-to-know-you, then kidnapping dark-romance story.
Written and directed by Sophie Brooks, Oh, Hi! plays like a love letter to the low-stakes, high-emotion romances and thrillers of the 1990s. Think Practical Magic with a splash of Misery and the occasional Wes Anderson flourish. But rather than rely on stylised quirk or overwritten monologues, Brooks lets the conversations wander. Confessions come out sideways. And that’s the point.
Although it’s branded as a comedy, I didn’t laugh much. The side characters (David Cross as a weird neighbour) bring some moments that make you smirk, but the lead's chemistry is more dramatic than rolling on the floor laughing. It fits as a romantic drama, even a borderline thriller if they’d have pushed a little harder.
Lerman is in top form here, still carrying the boyishness he’s known for, but now shaded with the hesitation and introspection of someone older, wearier, and quietly hopeful. He has an unexpected character turn, which I’ve not seen from Lerman before (darker and stern), which suits him. Molly Gordon is just as sweet, with a quirky and discomforting twinkle in her eye. Her character has a creepy, crazy twist, which I wasn’t expecting, but she pulls
off incredibly well. The two are a joy to watch and help build and maintain tension throughout the film.
Visually, Oh, Hi! has a soft, sun-drenched look that suits its mood perfectly; warm, wistful, and a little faded around the edges. It’s the kind of LA where people still use flip phones and leave voicemail greetings.
The score, mostly acoustic guitar and ambient synths, complements the film’s tone without ever overpowering it. And while some of the pacing in the second act could be tightened, the film never loses its emotional through-line.
As the story builds, I wanted a little more drama, even violence. Iris' character has a moment, makes a bad decision, but plateaus. And even with her best friend and her boyfriend coming into the mix, the film keeps a steady pace, but the tension and conflict don’t build. Therefore, I was waiting for a dramatic moment - waiting for something to happen. The last 15-20 minutes offer intense excitement, but then the film opts for a more gentle ending. It’s well-rounded and keeps in tone with the whole film. I appreciate its gentle storytelling, but I feel the script played it safe and could have been stronger and had more effect on the audience if it had either upped the comedy or drama.
Is Oh, Hi! Worth Watching?
Yes. If you’re a fan of quirky romance films that take a dark twist, this film is a must-watch. Oh, Hi! isn’t trying to blow your mind or reinvent the romantic comedy wheel, and that’s what makes it work. With standout performances and quirky script, this film quietly earns its place as one of the most creepy yet charming surprises of the 2025 film scene.
'Oh, Hi!' is coming out as a limited release July 25
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