One of the most intriguing film releases slated for 2025 is undoubtedly "Oh, Hi!", a darkly comedic independent film starring Logan Lerman, known to many as an "internet boyfriend", and Molly Gordon from the critically acclaimed series "The Bear". Penned and directed by Sophie Brooks, the film plunges into the complexities of modern relationships with a sharp wit and unexpected twists.
The narrative follows Isaac (Lerman) and Iris (Gordon) as they embark on what is intended to be a secluded and romantic getaway. However, the atmosphere takes a decidedly unusual turn during a session of sexual role-play. When Isaac finds himself handcuffed to the bed, a long-simmering and uncomfortable truth about their relationship bubbles to the surface. Iris, confronted with a reality far removed from her expectations, decides to leave him restrained until he reveals what she desperately wants to hear.
"Oh, Hi!" serves as a pointed commentary on the often-misunderstood dynamics of contemporary relationships. Iris's realisation that what she perceived as the promising start of a meaningful connection was, in fact, not Isaac's intention at all, forms the crux of the film's exploration. A particularly compelling aspect of the movie is its clever and consistent referencing of the classic 1943 film, "Casablanca," a Best Picture winner that continues to resonate with audiences today.
The Significance of Casablanca
Early in "Oh, Hi!", Iris and Isaac engage in a conversation about their favourite films, during which Iris expresses her deep affection for "Casablanca". This seemingly innocuous detail, as explained by Sophie Brooks, is far more significant than it initially appears.
Brooks elucidates that "Casablanca" functions as a subtle yet powerful symbol of miscommunication within the film. Iris has seen the film and holds it in high regard, while Isaac pretends to be familiar with it, despite never having actually watched it. This act of deception mirrors the broader theme of the film, where the two characters engage in a charade of openness and clarity, while simultaneously concealing their true feelings and intentions.
The director emphasises that this early reference to "Casablanca" is instrumental in establishing the pervasive theme of miscommunication that permeates the entire film. Iris's fondness for the classic romantic drama highlights her tendency to romanticise relationships prematurely, before they have a chance to develop into something genuine and substantial. She projects an idealised version of romance onto her connection with Isaac, assuming a depth of feeling that simply isn't there. Even after she has tied him to the bed and he confesses that he is not seeking a relationship, she defiantly quotes "Casablanca," uttering the line, "We’ll always have 'Oh, hi!'"
Shared Endings and Different Love Stories
As Brooks points out, "Casablanca" is not a traditional love story where the protagonists ultimately end up together. It is, in its own way, a love story about sacrifice and acceptance. She aimed to explore that particular facet of love, the understanding that two people not ending up together doesn't negate the validity or importance of their connection.
"Oh, Hi!" shares a similar thematic ending with "Casablanca" in that the central couple does not remain together. However, Iris's decision to invoke the iconic line from "Casablanca" during a moment of intense emotional turmoil – a situation involving lies and potential legal consequences – speaks volumes about her skewed perspective on relationships.
Nevertheless, the director asserts that a film can still be romantic and explore the complexities of love, even if the characters do not achieve a conventional "happily ever after." The use of "Casablanca" as a recurring motif helps the viewer to appreciate this particular dimension of the film. While not every love story is destined for longevity or even health, the fact that it evokes strong emotions signifies its inherent value. Many people have experienced fleeting romances that, while ultimately unsuitable, have provided valuable lessons about love and self-discovery. This is the essence of "Oh, Hi!". It's a film that acknowledges the messy, imperfect, and sometimes painful realities of modern relationships, and finds a strange beauty within them.
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