The most important element in a romantic comedy is chemistry — but in “Your Place or Mine” Ashton Kutcher and Reese Witherspoon don’t have it.
Released on Netflix on Feb 10, the film’s actors struggle to balance their respective stardom with the cliché and underdeveloped connection between their characters. The film does not invest in the physical or sexual chemistry of the main characters and instead distracts viewers with overdone tropes and sub-plots. The plot is wholesome and interesting, but the pull between Kutcher and Witherspoon is simply stagnant.
The film follows two adults who have been best friends since a one-time hookup in college. Debbie (Reese Witherspoon) is a single mom living in Los Angeles struggling to preserve her finances and build her teenage son’s confidence. She wholeheartedly accepts her non-existent dating life because God forbid a single mom is actively dating! The stressed, sexually-stagnant single mother is unfortunately just one of the cliche tropes to which the film falls prey. In addition, Debbie’s best friend, Peter (Ashton Kutcher), is Hollywood's favorite type-A, emotionally unavailable rich bachelor. The entire film is built on tropes; friends to lovers, opposites attract, miscommunication and more. While these cliche characters and dynamics serve as a reminder of the genre, they strip the film of its authenticity and potential.
One particular trope went awry for the film: the love triangle. Theo (Jesse Williams), is an editor in New York who pursues Debbie, complicating the storyline. Theo falls head-over-heels for Debbie because she is not like other girls—she reads! Theo’s role in the movie, although meant to spur the romance between Debbie and Peter, leaves the audience wanting more. Theo is a single dad, mature and emotionally available. Above all, their chemistry is palpable. Sparks fly between the two actors, even though the viewers know where the story ends; with Debbie and Peter simultaneously realizing their true feelings for each other. Their sexual tension and chemistry set the bar impressively high for Debbie and Peter, who unfortunately miss the mark.
The talent of the leading actors cannot be discounted, as the premise and plot of the film itself left little room for development and connection. Reese Witherspoon, known most notably for her iconic role as Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde” (2001), has been one of Hollywood’s it-girls for years. Likewise, Ashton Kutcher, known for his role as Michael Kelso in “That 70s Show,” remains a household name and heartthrob years later. The two actors each have brimming portfolios and the talent to support them. However, even with the expertise of these stars, “Your Place or Mine” simply lacks the energy present in notable romantic comedies. For example, in the true rom-com classic “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999), the main couple’s chemistry commands viewers’ attention. The paintball scene is permanently ingrained in the minds of teenage girls everywhere.
Although “Your Place or Mine” is currently in the top ten U.S. movies on Netflix, it received a 39% on Rotten Tomatoes, the most widespread complaint being the lack of chemistry between Witherspoon and Kutcher. The movie showcases that star-studded casting without accurate time to develop their chemistry or relationship makes for a stale romance. The couple, living in different cities for the majority of the movie, spoke almost entirely over the phone or through video chat. As we saw during the pandemic, forming connections via a digital screen is not impossible, but unsatisfying. The couple spends just six minutes physically together throughout the duration of the nearly two hour film. Therefore, it is no surprise that the finale lacks chemistry, as they were given mere minutes in which to pack 20 years of angst, yearning, sexual tension and anticipation.
Despite the disappointing chemistry and assault of cliché tropes, “Your Place or Mine” is light-hearted and fun to watch. The plot is nothing revolutionary and will not compete with classic romantic comedies such as “10 Things I Hate About You,” “When Harry Met Sally” (1989) or “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” (2003), but it is entertaining and digestible. The A-List cast will likely attract viewers who are solely interested in watching Witherspoon and Kutcher kiss and therefore give the movie temporary buzz. However, without chemistry, a romantic comedy can only go so far.
