Love Hard
Movie Trailer
Release Date
November 5, 2021
Genre
Romantic Comedy
Cast & Crew
- Nina Dobrev as Natalie Bauer
- Jimmy O. Yang as Josh Lin
- Darren Barnet as Tag Abbott
- James Saito as Bob Lin
- Harry Shum Jr. as Owen Lin
- Mikaela Hoover as Chelsea Lin
Director
Hernán Jiménez
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Elsewhere (2019)
- About Us (2016)
- The Return (2011)
Producer
McG, Mary Viola, Steven Bello
Writer
Danny Mackey, Rebecca Ewing
Budget
Estimated $15-20 million
Production Company
Wonderland Sound and Vision, Netflix
Running Time
105 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
TV-14 (for language and sexual references)
Content Advisory
- Mild language
- Sexual references
- Themes of online dating and catfishing
Movie Story
Love Hard is a modern romantic comedy that follows Natalie Bauer (Nina Dobrev), a Los Angeles-based writer who chronicles her disastrous dating experiences for an online publication. After a string of failed relationships, Natalie meets Josh Lin (Jimmy O. Yang) on a dating app and, after weeks of talking, believes she has finally found the perfect match. On a whim, Natalie decides to surprise Josh for Christmas by flying across the country to his small town in Lake Placid, New York.
However, upon arriving, Natalie is shocked to discover that Josh is not who he claimed to be. Instead of the handsome man she saw in photos, Josh is revealed to have been using pictures of his more attractive friend, Tag Abbott (Darren Barnet), to catfish her. Feeling betrayed and angry, Natalie confronts Josh, but instead of leaving, she decides to stay and make the best of a bad situation.
Josh, feeling guilty, offers a deal: if Natalie pretends to be his girlfriend for the holidays to appease his family, he will help her win over the real Tag, who lives in the same town. Reluctantly, Natalie agrees, and the two embark on a series of humorous and heartwarming misadventures as they try to navigate the complex world of family, romance, and the holidays.
As Natalie spends more time with Josh, she begins to see the real person behind the deception and starts questioning her own ideas about love and what truly matters in a relationship. Love Hard blends humor, romance, and holiday cheer, ultimately delivering a message about authenticity, forgiveness, and the importance of looking beyond appearances.
Special Effects
The special effects in Love Hard are minimal, as the film focuses on character interactions and the dynamics of romance rather than visual spectacle. The movie makes use of practical effects to enhance the holiday atmosphere, with festive decorations, snowy landscapes, and warm, cozy interiors that create a classic Christmas rom-com vibe. The film’s cinematography captures the beauty of small-town life during the holidays, contributing to the overall charm of the story.
Box Office Performance
Love Hard was released exclusively on Netflix, bypassing a traditional theatrical release. The film quickly became popular on the platform, particularly during the holiday season, and was well-received by audiences looking for a light-hearted romantic comedy. While Netflix does not typically release detailed viewership statistics, Love Hard was featured in the platform’s top 10 lists in several countries, indicating its popularity among viewers.
Filming Locations
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Notable Quotes
- “You don’t have to be perfect to find love. Just be honest.” – Natalie Bauer
- “I might not be the guy you thought you were coming to meet, but I’d like to think I’m the guy you stayed for.” – Josh Lin
- “Love is about being with someone who sees the real you and likes you for who you are.” – Bob Lin
Behind-the-Scenes
- Love Hard was shot in Vancouver, British Columbia, which doubled for the snowy small-town setting of Lake Placid, New York.
- The film’s title, Love Hard, is a nod to two classic holiday films: Love Actually and Die Hard, both of which are referenced in the movie.
- Nina Dobrev and Jimmy O. Yang developed strong on-screen chemistry, which was key to the film’s success in portraying a believable and endearing romance.
Awards
- None, but the film was noted for its charming performances and its appeal as a holiday rom-com.
Final Verdict
Love Hard is a delightful and heartwarming romantic comedy that brings together the charm of a holiday movie with the humor and complexities of modern dating. Nina Dobrev and Jimmy O. Yang deliver engaging performances, and their chemistry helps elevate the film beyond its familiar rom-com tropes. While the story may follow a predictable path, its message about authenticity and the true meaning of love resonates, making it a perfect watch for the holiday season. Fans of light-hearted romance and festive cheer will find Love Hard an enjoyable and satisfying experience.
IMDb Rating
6.3/10