Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming leads carry romantic dramedy; sex, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Which Brings Me to You
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Based on Steve Arnold and Juliana Baggott's 2006 novel, WHICH BRINGS ME TO YOU begins with Jane (Lucy Hale) noticing fellow guest Will (Nat Wolff) arriving late to a wedding. After flirting during the beach club reception, the two singletons attempt a coat-room hook-up that ends abruptly. But instead of going their separate ways, Will and Jane end up spending the evening together, sharing the highlights of their complicated romantic histories with each other. As they delve into their past relationships, it's clear that they might also be establishing a foundation for their own.
Is It Any Good?
This unconventional romance isn't fun or funny enough to qualify as a romcom, but it manages to be engaging thanks to the central performances. Which Brings Me to You marks the reunion of Hale and her Hating Game director Peter Hutchings, but the chemistry here isn't as palpable as in that enemies-to-lovers tale. This story (also an adaptation) focuses on an "all in one day" romance between two strangers that turns into a chronicle of their past relationships. Because audiences spend so much of the movie watching the main characters with their various exes, they may not feel as invested in the actual couple's coming together. It's easy to see how much better that premise would work on the page rather than the screen.
Despite the romantic difficulties of the plot, Hale and Wolff are talented enough to make it believable that their characters grow closer as they share candid confessions about their former relationships, some of which involve cheating, substance abuse, and mental illness. As the flashback lovers, Genevieve Angelson, Britne Oldford, Alexander Hodge, and John Gallagher Jr. stand out as pivotal partners from Will's and Jane's twenties. For moviegoers who appreciate romances between two "messy" partners, this is a fine pick, but for those who prefer lighter, funnier romcoms, be aware that Which Brings Me to You is full of personal drama and trauma.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether Which Brings Me to You is a traditional romcom or belongs to another genre. What are the hallmarks of that type of movie?
How does the movie depict sexual relationships? How is sex portrayed differently when the characters are in their late twenties versus when they're teens and college aged?
Both Jane and Will have had unhealthy previous relationships. Which ones are most problematic, and why? What makes the idea of Jane and Will healthier?
How does the movie show the importance of honest communication? Why is honesty such a trigger for Jane?
Does the movie make you want to read the book? Do you prefer to "read it then see it," or is it fine to watch an adaptation first?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 19, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : April 9, 2004
- Cast : Lucy Hale , Nat Wolff , Genevieve Angelson
- Director : Peter Hutchings
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : DECAL
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Empathy
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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