Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun, STEM-focused romcom entertains; some swearing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Other Zoey
What's the Story?
THE OTHER ZOEY centers on love-averse Zoey (Josephine Langford), who's launching an app to help people find compatible partners. She believes that "love" is nothing more than algorithm-based compatibility, but she soon learns more about the emotion when she becomes entangled with two guys: Zach (Drew Starkey), who got amnesia from a car accident and believes that Zoey is his girlfriend, and Zach's analytic-minded cousin, Miles (Archie Renaux), who seems like the perfect guy for Zoey. Through a series of wild events, Zoey learns what true love -- and true compatibility -- really means.
Is It Any Good?
If you're a fan of romcoms and young adult films, this is a good option for you. In many ways, The Other Zoey is a standard romcom: It has wild, unrealistic setups, "grand gestures" (as referenced in the film), and big realizations about true love. But there are some interesting twists. For instance, Zoey has a meaningful life working in STEM, which makes her a bit more complex as a character. She has aspirations in the technology field, and even though her app is about coupling, she has goals that aren't focused primarily on being in a relationship. Plus, the film has racially diverse characters, which makes the world seem more realistic and relatable. And with romcom staples like Heather Graham and Andie MacDowell in the cast, The Other Zoey has enough genre clout to stand up next to other, older films. Overall, it's a fun addition to a romcom lover's collection.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way love is portrayed in the media. How does The Other Zoey depict what it's like to be in love? Does it feel realistic?
Why is it notable that Zoey is in STEM? How can you find positive gender representations in the media?
How are racially diverse characters presented? Why are nuanced, diverse representations in the media important?
How does Zoey demonstrate courage?
What does this movie have in common with other romcoms you've seen? How is it different?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 20, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : November 10, 2023
- Cast : Josephine Langford , Drew Starkey , Archie Renaux
- Director : Sara Zandieh
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Multiracial Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Brainstorm Media
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : STEM
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some nude art images
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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