Love Hard - A Netflix Movie Review

This is going to be the most epic love story you have ever read.

Love Hard was released to Netflix in 2021. Believing that she has found love on a dating app, Natalie flies from L.A. to the east coast to meet Josh in a surprise visit. Except, Josh is not the person in his profile. Begged into staying for the sake of his family, Natalie is put to the test of what love means.

As soon as I saw the trailer for Love Hard I was intrigued to watch this film. It has garnered a lot of talk since its release. You should always be careful with dating websites. Love Hard dedicates its message to be happy with who you are; most importantly with your outer appearance.

At times, Natalie’s behavior and opinions got on my nerves. And now that I think about it we don’t get to know Natalie like how the film invests in Josh’s life. I found Natalie to be hypocritical.

First, she claims that she wants nothing to do with Josh until later on, she’s sticking up for him because she feels bad for him. Aside from the character, Nina Dobrev was excellent in her performance.

I liked Jimmy O. Yang’s portrayal of his character. Feeling invisible in his family, Josh doesn’t think too highly of himself because of his appearance. Knowing that catfishing Natalie was wrong, Josh has a warm heart. Dobrev and Yang worked well together, especially in all their arguments. Their new rendition of ‘Baby, it’s Cold Outside’ was entertaining.

You can never go wrong with family. James Saito, Rebecca Staab, Harry Shum Jr., and Althea Kaye were excellent as Josh’s family. Each shares a tender moment with Natalie, particularly Saito.

The best character award goes to Kaye as the hilarious Grandma June Lin. I was surprised to find out this was only her fourth acting credit.

I’m sure most viewers have mixed feelings for Owen (Shum Jr.). Basking in the attention from his parents and gloating that he is more successful than his younger brother, my opinion changed when writers chose to put in a strong brotherly moment. Having the wrong impression of Natalie’s actions, he chooses to look out for his brother so he won’t get hurt.

This detail goes for most of the characters. Other credits include Darren Barnet, Mikaela Hoover, Matty Finochio, and Heather McMahon. McMahon’s character disappears by the end middle half of the film. Kerry was a fun character.

All characters have some sense, instead of being cruel by nature. Whether friends, family, or you boss, we should all look out for each other.

The story moves at a suitable pace. Love Hard makes a decent Christmas film. I loved seeing all the festive decorations and all the delicious Christmas cookies. The film is also well-edited making clean transitions to each scene.

Yes, the premise was predictable but not without a share of surprises. It’s the cast who brings the message to life. It’s funny, sentimental, and carries a message for all.

Hernan Jimenez examines the dating world. It’s better to be your authentic self instead of lying about your interests or your physical appearance. Dating is a tough world. You have to make it fun through conversations and doing what you like to do.

Most importantly, you should never judge a person based on their appearance. There is no such thing as perfect. Love doesn’t have to be perfect. It should be honest.

Check out Love Hard on Netflix. It’s a good Christmas film to watch for the holiday season.