Film Review: Netflix Plans The Perfect Date
I truly believe Netflix has a crush on Noah Centineo, and are making him their “Clark Gable;” turning their young star into a classic Hollywood, love interest. In The Perfect Date, Noah, once again, turns a flawed character into a charm, and emanates there is a winning humanity to a person, even when they are lost. Hence, his classic, Hollywood feel comes from his ability to assure Brooks Rattigan is a leading man you cheer for, despite being a kid learning to cheer for himself.
Noah Centineo is redefining Prince Charming by choosing roles that show how expansive his charisma can be. Brooks is no saint, but nor is his situation. The Perfect Date seems to have come at a perfect time; thanks to the College Admissions Scandal. Directed by Chris Nelson and written by Steve Bloom and Randall Green, the story finds its heart in Brooks rightful fear. Though he is a smart kid, involved in his school, he is terrified that even if he gets into a great school, which he deserves, the price tag will be too steep; something his father, Charlie (Matt Walsh) consistently reminds him. For many bright teens, college is not only about getting in but also getting a good scholarship that covers all or most costs.
When you are a kid, you are a dreamer, but, becoming an adult, is realizing reality can crush them. This makes “teenhood” a time of tough transition, of which Laura Marano’s Celia Lieberman exemplifies this. Celia is snarky, feisty, and “No BS” when it comes to her wit. Yet, for Brooks, she is also wealthy, networked, and, though his friend, oblivious to how rough it is to not have those things. Yes, she “understands,” but does she realize the depths of his urgency and how such desperation challenges your dignity? As the film progresses, Brooks creates an app, with the help of the hilarious Murph (Odiseas Georgiadis) called The Stand-In; where women can hire him to be their “dream boyfriend” and he can save up money for his dream college. This “app sequence” is the heart of The Perfect Date’s humor, but also twists a typical rom-com move.
One thing I love about The Perfect Date is that it gives its lead character, Brooks, a typically “female” storyline. Usually, in rom-coms, it is the young woman that “can’t find herself,” but then she starts dating, becomes arrogant, betrays her friends, and, somehow, wins “the guy” to be “redeemed.” These stereo-typical plot-points are given to Brooks, but Centineo’s charisma makes them feel realistic to what it is to grow up. In essence, you will hurt people, you will do crazy things to “win,” and you will feel misunderstood while doing both. Thus, you smile and watch as you see both Centineo’s Brooks and Marano’s Celia fall in love, but also get wiser to how others live.
Centineo and Marano have a great, biting chemistry. He is constantly grinning, while she is grimacing, and it makes their “opposites attract” dynamic feels inviting. These are two young people that are learning not everyone is who they appear, which can also be seen through Camila Mendes’ Shelby. While this character has a rich “princess” vibe, hailing some Veronica/ Riverdale flashbacks, Mendes’ earths her role by emanating that she, like Celia, feels trapped by her wealth and access. Her life has been planned by her rich family, and it will go accordingly, while Brooks’ has a plan and is well-aware it could truly not happen.
I remember watching Little, and the lead says, “It is better to be rich and unhappy over broke and unhappy.” I can’t help but think of that quote when I look back at Brooks’ Rattigan’s journey. While you are enthralled by Noah Centineo’s ability to make Brooks’ shadiest moves feel like sweet mistakes, you also understand that it is disheartening, even at 17, to know your hard work cannot afford your goals. See The Perfect On April 12 On Netflix.
