Sundance Review: ‘Oh, Hi’ is a Very Funny Comedy about Relationships, Expectations, and the Antics in Between

Two people in a relationship aren’t always on the same page about what they want for their future. Usually, a conversation occurs at some point about what they are and aren’t looking for, but it’s possible for things to progress considerably before there’s a moment to stop and talk about where things stand. There’s a right way and a wrong way to bring up important clarifications when it’s clear that two parties want different things, and Oh, Hi looks at one man’s selection of precisely the wrong moment and the hijinks that ensue as a result.

Iris (Molly Gordon) and Isaac (Logan Lerman) arrive at a beautiful country house for a romantic getaway. They stop for strawberries on the way, Isaac cooks a delicious dinner of scallops, and they sit outside together taking in the scenery. When they head inside to have sex, they decide to use some of the bandage gear they found in a locked closet, with Iris first restrained to the bed before she realizes that it’s not for her and she and Isaac should switch places. After some true passion, Iris references their relationship, prompting Isaac to express that it’s not at all how he sees them. In disbelief and boiling with anger, Iris leaves Isaac chained to the bed and sets out to do whatever she can to show him that they should absolutely be together. 

This film is the sophomore feature of Sophie Brooks, whose first film The Boy Downstairs also dealt with a relationship involving differing levels of commitment from those involved. Oh, Hi ups the stakes considerably, presenting this couple as extremely happy until Isaac’s regrettable and callous dismissal of what they seemingly have. Once that happens, it’s hard to find sympathy for Isaac even as Iris has all the power in the situation, suggesting that she could let him go but might have to stab him (she’s kidding, she unconvincingly alleges). He clearly thinks that she’s crazy, and the actions she’s taking, including the rather brutal and unappealing cooking of a French toast breakfast to win him over, don’t do much to dissuade that notion.

But this film, which is ultimately a light, fun comedy, doesn’t make things quite so simple in the best way. Iris correctly points out that Isaac has been behaving like a loving boyfriend, courting her and doing nothing to suggest that he’s not actively looking for a relationship. It does seem at first like these two have been together for a while since their chemistry is so strong, yet their conversations reveal that they actually don’t know each other well at all. While this is an exaggerated sendup of all-too-preventable chaos, it still contains a relatable lesson about not going too fast without first taking a minute to make sure both parties at least have some interest in moving ahead at the same speed.

Gordon, returning to Sundance after Theater Camp, is a fantastic lead for this film, concocting Iris as a romantic caught so off-guard by Isaac’s actions that she spirals into an incredible frenzy. Gordon is funny and immensely watchable, and she’s well-paired with Lerman, who’s much less likable than in most of his roles but still gives Isaac some charm and occasional depth. As Iris’ best friend and her boyfriend who show up to help Iris find a way out of her mess, Geraldine Viswanathan and John Reynolds add welcome hilarity. This is a film where watching characters make mistakes and fumble is tremendous fun, with a little productive seriousness along the way to ground it and keep it from getting too ridiculous. 

Movie Rating: 8/10