Review: Your Place or Mine (2023)
Very cute and wholesome and, yes, predictable.
Your Place Or Mine | Official Trailer | Netflix | Dir. Aline Brosh McKenna
Most mid-budget romcoms now bypass cinemas entirely and go straight to VOD services. Non-franchise films struggle to get their moment in the spotlight when so many big studios are pumping out sequels, prequels and remakes, which is such a shame when films like Netflix’s Your Place or Mine come along because it would make for a perfect choice as part of an evening out with friends or loved ones.
Despite its contemporary setting, you are instantly hit with a nostalgic feeling when watching this romcom. Perhaps it’s because the stars, Reese Witherspoon and to a larger extent, Ashton Kutcher, are best known for their films in the noughties (remember the silly, loveable chaos of Just Married, Legally Blonde and Four Christmases?). It could be the soundtrack, which is dominated by 70s/80s songs by The Cars, or maybe its Witherspoon's very 90s-inspired wardrobe - she does have a mid-movie glow up thanks to her new, fashion-conscious New Yorker friend, but realises she prefers her denim jacket ensemble instead, and we love her for it. Maybe the film simply feels like something we’ve seen before, but even if we have, the familiarity is still .
The set-up is simple: two people who had a one night stand a long time ago become best friends. They live on opposite sides of the US (New York and LA, obviously) and lead their own lives but talk every day and “tell each other everything”. They trust each other to the extent that they agree to a temporary life-swap (child included) so that Debbie (Withersoon) can take a course in NYC. The intimacy is obvious. The admiration is palpable. There is no need to play detective here. There are no unnecessary twists. We know that it’s inevitable that they’re going to end up together, even if for the majority of the film they are physically separate. And when you realise you know that and you believe in the relationship enough to invest in the journey they take to get there, it’s the ultimate sweet relief. Everything is going to be okay in the end!
The skill in which director and writer Aline Brosh McKenna uses romcom conventions is excellent, and it says a lot about the quality of the screenplay and wider casting choices that we can stay invested in the relationship despite the space between them. It would have been easy to jump on the self-aware bandwagon and to have all her characters super-hyperconscious to stay on-trend, but McKenna eases away from that recent (and let’s face it, overdone) approach and goes for a more traditional romantic comedy style, in both storyline and structure. Crucially, the two leads are likeable, and the chemistry is there, though more on-screen time together - even through flashbacks as to not compromise the premise - might have been good, but the phone calls and discovered keepsakes just about sell it. The secondary characters help Debbie and Peter (Kutcher) along and bring them together – Zoe Chao, Tig Notaro and Steve Zahn are all such fun and provide some light-heartedness and comical gags before anything gets a bit too serious.
Stereotypes are used responsibly here: Peter works in a very non-descript area of ‘business’ and earns good money but doesn’t have anything meaningful to spend it on, while Debbie is training to be an accountant because it's a 'responsible career'... even though she really has a long-time aspiration to work in publishing - there is just something romantic about a career in writing, okay? While he struggles to commit to anyone long-term, she’s a single mum with an asshole ex. And don't tell me that the daily long-distance phonecalls aren't the ultimate romantic callback to iconic films like When Harry Met Sally or even It's A Wonderful Life. You just don't spend time speaking to someone on the phone unless you're super fond of them, especially given the demands and pace of modern life. It takes effort... and cherishing the art of conversation (or FaceTime) is decidedly romantic! HELLO, there is even an airport scene. You get the point: it ticks a lot of boxes, but it does so with confidence and intent.
Your Place or Mine is just very cute and wholesome and, yes, predictable. And although that may not translate to billions at the box office or critical acclaim, it is highly successful in its mission as a genre film and provides a notable amount of laughs and comfort, as every rom com should.
Verdict: If you've been yearning for a romantic comedy which focuses on the essential elements, keeps it simple, provides a few laughs and a couple of happy tears, this one's for you.
Overall? ⭐⭐️⭐⭐
Big screen appeal? 🎬🎬🎬🎬
Accolade eligibility? 💡💡💡
Study-worthy? 📚📚📚