It’s important to note right away that Numa Perrier’s The Perfect Find isn’t anything we haven’t scene before. In fact, it’s all the rom-com tropes we love (or hate) combined with a high-fashion setting, which also happens to celebrate old-time cinema. Adapted from the book of the same name by Tia Williams, Leigh Davenport’s script sees a down-and-out, middle-aged woman pick up and stitch together the broken pieces of her life. Her complicated new journey opens up an interesting conversation about women starting over when the world around you tells us it’s too late. Though The Perfect Find struggles with the romance aspects, its commentary on finding love late in life is a pure delight.
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Gabrielle Union stars as Jenna Jones, a 40-year-old successful Black woman who goes into hiding after a chaotic public breakup and a high-profile firing from her job. To resurrect her fashion career after one year off, Jenna returns to New York to rebuild her reputation, even if that means working for her cutthroat frenemy Darcy (Gina Torres). All things seem to go well until Jenna falls for the charming, younger filmmaker and coworker Eric (Keith Powers). Because putting their differences aside about life is one thing, but dating under Darcy’s nose is another — especially since Eric is her son. Is this secret romance worth risking a career for?

Perrier’s adaptation is a vibrant romantic comedy that serves as a small love letter to Old Hollywood, while serving great messages about never giving up on dreams no matter how old you are. Through Union’s Jenna, who spent a year in hiding at her parents’ house, there’s an inspiring lesson about having it all, but working hard to achieve it. Sure, these themes are as cliché as you would expect out of a romantic comedy, but they are never presented in a way that feels silly or bland. Perrier’s visual flairs help accentuate the messaging throughout and takes itself seriously delivering both the commentary on finding love later in life and overcoming generational differences.

The film does well demonstrating the complications of dating when the individuals have an age gap. What could two people separated by decades in age actually have in common? Davenport’s script appropriately asks these questions in humorous ways, but more importantly, answers them with nuance and detailed attention that we don’t often get to see onscreen. While answering these questions, it also enables us to witness some bickering between Jenna and Eric that comes off realistic and amusing. Thanks to the acting from the always great and reliable Union, and the suave Powers, The Perfect Find offers good rom-com entertainment that you’ll come to appreciate.

Despite these moments set up between the two leads, The Perfect Find is a bit too light on the romance. Specifically, Union and Powers don’t have the kind of chemistry we’ve come to expect from a rom-com of this nature. Perhaps it’s a reflection of the characters’ need to keep their relationship a secret and less of a script and directional flaw, but it is still a weakness. Nonetheless, Perrier seizes other opportunities for directorial imagination and creativity like bringing a picture of Nina Mae Minney, an Old Hollywood African American actress, and the star of Jenna and Eric’s affection to life. These creative decisions offer a vibrant viewing experience when the romanticism fails.

A blend of reliable themes and creative direction, The Perfect Find is a good entry to the Netflix romantic comedy catalog. Not only are we treated to messaging related to finding love later in life, but Davenport’s script offers the inspirational reminder that you’re never too old to start anew. While light on the romance, director Numa Perrier showcases grand moments of creativity that are easy on the eye and entertaining. And thanks to fantastic performances from Gabrielle Union and Gina Torres, who plays the vicious frenemy with ease, you may find that this easy-to-watch romantic comedy is worthy of viewing this weekend.

The Perfect Find is now available to stream on Netflix. The film is 99 minutes long and not rated.