Prime Video's 'The Love Hypothesis' misses the mark on chemistry

For fans of Ali Hazelwood’s bestseller, the wait for a screen adaptation ended in September, but the payoff has been mixed. The film, which landed on Prime Video on Sept. 23, received a lukewarm reception from critics who found the romance lacking despite strong comedic elements. The review notes that while the movie is fun, it fails to deliver the core emotional payoff expected of the genre.

The story follows Olive Smith, a Ph.D. student at Stanford played by Lili Reinhart. To distract her best friend Ahn from a crush, Olive attempts to fake a relationship. The plan backfires when she kisses Adam Carlsen, a cold and antisocial professor known as “Dr. Evil,” played by Tom Bateman. Adam then proposes a fake-dating arrangement. He needs to appear settled to secure funding from his department, while Olive sees a chance to help Ahn pursue her own interest. This alliance forms the backbone of the narrative.

The film has been in the public eye since its release, with discussions centering on its performance against the source material. The review praises the writing for giving Olive a rich backstory and a relatable, awkward personality. It notes that the comedy is outstanding and that the costuming effectively captures the casual, chaotic style of graduate students. The friendship between Olive and Ahn is also singled out as a standout element, suggesting that the bond is stronger than the romantic plot.

However, the review points out that Adam feels one-dimensional compared to Olive. His backstory is limited, and his initial meanness toward students is viewed as a superficial excuse. The central issue, according to the reviewer, is the lack of chemistry between the leads. Even as the characters warm up and reveal vulnerable sides, their passion is not intensely displayed. The climax of the romance arrives without sufficient buildup, feeling abrupt rather than earned.

The film also addresses the struggles of women in STEM. Olive faces misogynistic professors and a predatory researcher during her studies. The review acknowledges that the movie successfully captures these challenges, adding a layer of realism to the rom-com formula. The actors are credited with doing a good job embodying their characters, but the script does not fully support the development of the couple's relationship.

The movie concludes with Olive facing her fears and finding love, a standard arc for the genre. The final rating is 3 out of 5 stars. The review describes the film as sweet and endearing but imperfect. It suggests that while the comedy and character dynamics work, the romance remains the weak link. The film is positioned as a light, fun watch for those who do not require deep romantic development.