"Hi" Movie Review: A Chaotic, Thrillingly Uncomfortable Take on Modern Romance
The new Tollywood-backed English-language feature “Hi” is not your conventional date-night film. Directed by Sophie Brooks, this 95-minute genre-blender takes the familiar setup of a budding relationship and systematically dismantles it with a blend of sharp comedy and unsettling tension. The film, which premiered in July 2025, is now generating fresh buzz with its TMDb rating of 6.3/10, marking it as a polarizing but unforgettable watch for audiences who appreciate their romance with a layer of psychological chaos.
The story centers on Iris, played with compelling manic energy by Molly Gordon, who is convinced she has found her perfect match in Isaac, portrayed by Logan Lerman. Their first weekend getaway appears to be going perfectly - that is, until a casual remark from Isaac shatters Iris’s romantic fantasy. In a moment of devastating honesty, he mentions he had no idea they were actually a couple. This single line of dialogue ignites the entire plot, sending Iris on a determined, increasingly irrational mission to prove to Isaac - and to herself - that their connection is destined.
A Weekend That Spirals Out of Control
What begins as a romantic trip to a scenic retreat quickly transforms into something far more unsettling. The script, crafted by Brooks, takes delight in watching Iris’s reasonable composure crumble. She does not simply accept Isaac’s confusion; she leaps into action with a series of "ridiculous and irrational" lengths to win him over. Her tactics blur the line between passionate romance and outright obsession, keeping the audience perpetually uncomfortable about where her logic ends and her desperation begins.
Molly Gordon delivers a standout performance as the anchor of this emotional storm. She manages to make Iris both wildly sympathetic and profoundly alarming, often within the same scene. Isaac, played with a grounded, low-key bewilderment by Lerman, serves as the perfect counterbalance. His character is genuinely decent, which makes his confusion all the more compelling - he is not a villain, but simply a man who is overwhelmed by the intensity of a connection he didn't fully perceive. Their chemistry is combustible, though not in a traditionally romantic way; it is the kind of dynamic that keeps viewers on edge, wondering if the next conversation will lead to laughter or a complete breakdown.
More Than Just a Laugh Riot
While the film is squarely placed in the Romance and Comedy genres on paper, its true identity lies in its thriller DNA. The pacing is tight, and the directorial choices by Brooks create a palpable sense of dread that underpins the lighthearted moments. As Iris pushes the boundaries of social etiquette, the film asks a provocative question: at what point does proving your love become a form of psychological warfare? It explores the fragility of modern relationships, where digital ambiguity often clashes with intense personal feelings.
The supporting cast adds texture to the chaos. Geraldine Viswanathan appears as Max, presumably offering a voice of reason that Iris consistently ignores, while John Reynolds as Kenny and David Cross as Steve contribute moments that either heighten the awkwardness or provide a semblance of comic relief. The tight runtime of 95 minutes ensures there is no wasted scene, keeping the narrative focused on the claustrophobic pressure cooker of Iris and Isaac's prolonged weekend.
A Polarizing Narrative Approach
This release is likely to split audiences, a factor reflected in its solid but not spectacular rating. Those seeking a pure, heartwarming romantic comedy might find the film’s shift into darker, more obsessive territory jarring. Conversely, viewers who appreciate indie-flavored character studies with a darkly comedic edge will find “Hi” to be a refreshingly bold exercise in tension. The film excels at making its audience squirm, treating the protagonist’s manic behavior not as a punchline, but as a deeply troubling symptom of emotional need.
The cinematography and score work in harmony to sharpen the dual nature of the story. Beautiful, serene landscapes are juxtaposed with erratic character behavior, creating a visual metaphor for the war between external perfection and internal turmoil. The dialogue is sharp, often serving as a vehicle for both laughs and cringes, particularly as Iris’s attempts to prove their couplehood become more public and more humiliating.
Ultimately, "Hi" is a film about the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of love. It’s a bold experiment in tonal blending that succeeds more often than it fails, driven by two magnetic lead performances. It is a wild ride that flips the script on the classic "connection" narrative, reminding us that sometimes the person who thinks they know you best is the one who understands you least. For viewers ready to have their comfort zones challenged, Iris and Isaac’s weekend is a destination worth visiting.
Source: Filmibeat Telugu
