Office romances are tricky, especially when they start with deep-rooted animosity. Based on the best-selling novel by Sally Thorne, The Hating Game stars Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell as workplace rivals turned reluctant lovers. Set in the contemporary corporate world, the movie takes place primarily in an office environment, offering a modern romantic comedy with a splash of witty banter and simmering chemistry. Directed by Peter Hutchings, the film delves into the high-stakes rivalry between two ambitious professionals as they battle for a promotion while navigating their undeniable attraction to each other. With its charming lead performances and lighthearted take on the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, this film delivers a breezy and entertaining rom-com experience.
At the heart of the story is Lucy, played by Hale, who is the assistant to the co-CEO of a publishing company. Her life revolves around her job, where she has an intense rivalry with Joshua, portrayed by Stowell, the assistant to the other co-CEO. Their daily routine consists of petty power plays, constant teasing, and sarcastic jabs, all set against the backdrop of a failing company merger. However, when a promotion opportunity arises, their competitive edge escalates to new levels. As the battle for professional superiority continues, Lucy begins to notice that her hatred for Joshua might be masking other, deeper emotions. The plot builds on this slow-burn realization, taking the audience on a rollercoaster of flirtation, tension, and undeniable chemistry, without revealing too much of the outcome.
One standout element of the film is the dynamic between the two leads. Lucy and Austin both bring their A-game to the table, with Hale shining as the spunky and fiercely competitive Lucy. Her portrayal is full of energy, making Lucy’s quirks and vulnerability relatable and endearing. Austin’s performance as the seemingly cold and aloof Joshua is equally engaging. He plays the character with a subtle charm that unfolds gradually, revealing the layers behind his stoic demeanor. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and the tension between them keeps the audience hooked from their first interaction. One example of this is the scene where they engage in a verbal sparring match in the elevator—it’s not just the words they exchange but the unspoken heat simmering beneath that makes it so memorable. Both actors elevate the classic rom-com formula with their performances, infusing their characters with depth and humor.
The direction by Hutchings is crisp and efficient, keeping the pace of the film snappy without dragging in the middle. He skillfully handles the transitions between the humorous office antics and the more tender moments between Lucy and Joshua. One of the strengths of the direction lies in how Hutchings manages to build tension without it feeling forced or overly dramatic. The balance between comedy and romance is well-executed, making the film light and enjoyable without ever veering into melodrama. Hutchings also makes great use of the office setting, playing up the mundane nature of cubicles and fluorescent lighting as a contrast to the simmering romance that unfolds within the workspace. The setting becomes an effective backdrop to highlight the absurdity of their rivalry, making their eventual softening toward each other all the more rewarding.
In terms of cinematography, the film employs a bright, clean aesthetic that complements its breezy tone. The visuals aren’t overly stylized, but the simplicity works in favor of the story. The office setting feels authentic, with the tension between the characters amplified by the tight, confined spaces they share. The color palette is light and modern, with pops of color in the characters’ clothing that reflect their personalities. Lucy’s vibrant, colorful wardrobe contrasts sharply with Joshua’s more muted, professional attire, visually representing their differences and eventual softening toward each other. Cinematographer Noah Greenberg creates a visually appealing film that suits the genre, particularly in the more intimate, romantic moments, where the lighting softens and brings the characters closer together emotionally.
The film’s music also deserves mention, as it enhances the emotional beats of the story without overwhelming the scenes. The soundtrack features a blend of indie and pop tunes that perfectly capture the playful and romantic energy of the movie. The music plays a key role in setting the mood, especially during the moments of flirtation and vulnerability between Lucy and Joshua. The score is subtle but effective, complementing the characters’ emotional journeys without distracting from the dialogue or action. One standout moment is during a romantic sequence where the music swells just enough to emphasize the connection between the leads, enhancing the mood without veering into sappiness.
In terms of theme, The Hating Game explores the thin line between love and hate, as well as the importance of understanding the complexities of another person before passing judgment. The film also touches on ambition, personal growth, and the compromises we make in the pursuit of professional success. Lucy’s character arc is particularly interesting as she learns to reconcile her career-driven ambitions with her emotional needs, realizing that vulnerability doesn’t make her weak, and letting go of her pride allows her to see Joshua in a different light. Joshua’s transformation is equally compelling as his seemingly cold exterior begins to crack, revealing the reasons behind his aloof behavior and the insecurities that lie beneath.
However, not everything in the film works perfectly. Some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, particularly Lucy’s boss and Joshua’s co-workers. They serve more as plot devices to further the central romance than as fully fleshed-out characters. Additionally, while the enemies-to-lovers trope is well-executed, it does follow a fairly predictable path. There aren’t many surprises in the plot, and some moments feel formulaic for those familiar with the genre. But, given the strength of the performances and the palpable chemistry between the leads, these shortcomings are easily forgiven.
Overall, The Hating Game is a delightful romantic comedy that hits all the right notes for fans of the genre. It offers sharp, witty dialogue, a pair of charismatic leads, and just the right amount of tension to keep you invested until the end. While it doesn’t reinvent the rom-com wheel, it executes the classic formula with enough charm and heart to make it a thoroughly enjoyable watch. Fans of the novel will appreciate the faithful adaptation, and newcomers to the story will find themselves rooting for Lucy and Joshua’s romance. If you’re in the mood for a light, fun romantic comedy with plenty of heart and humor, this film is well worth your time.
