The Hating Game

Movie Trailer

Release Date
December 10, 2021

Genre
Romantic Comedy

Cast & Crew

• Lucy Hale as Lucy Hutton
• Austin Stowell as Joshua Templeman
• Corbin Bernsen as Bexley
• Sakina Jaffrey as Helen
• Yasha Jackson as Julie
• Sean Cullen as Anthony
• Nicholas Baroudi as Patrick

Director
Peter Hutchings

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Then Came You (2018)
• The Outcasts (2017)
• Rhymes with Banana (2012)

Producer
Claude Dal Farra
Brian Keady
Bruna Papandrea

Writer
Christina Mengert
Based on the novel The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Budget
$10 million (estimated)

Production Company
BCDF Pictures
ToniK Productions

Running Time
102 minutes

Languages
English (Original)

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Sexual content
• Some suggestive dialogue

Movie Story
The Hating Game is a romantic comedy that follows the tumultuous and entertaining relationship between Lucy Hutton (Lucy Hale) and Joshua Templeman (Austin Stowell), two executive assistants who work at a publishing company that has recently merged two rival companies. The film is based on Sally Thorne’s bestselling novel of the same name and captures the novel’s charm, wit, and underlying tension between its main characters.

Lucy is sweet, bubbly, and everyone’s friend, while Joshua is reserved, meticulous, and often comes across as cold. The two couldn’t be more different, and from the moment they start working together, they become fierce rivals, constantly engaging in passive-aggressive games and trying to one-up each other. Their office antics escalate as they compete for the same promotion, with each determined to come out on top.

However, as the competition heats up, so does the undeniable chemistry between Lucy and Joshua. The more they clash, the more they start to see beyond each other’s facades. What begins as a battle of wills slowly turns into something more, with both characters realizing that their hatred might be masking deeper feelings of attraction.

The story takes a turn when they share an unexpected, passionate kiss, forcing them to confront their true feelings for each other. Lucy, who had initially seen Joshua as her arch-nemesis, begins to understand the complexity of his character, and Joshua, who has always kept his emotions guarded, starts to open up to Lucy. As they navigate their confusing emotions, the film explores themes of love, ambition, and the fine line between love and hate.

The Hating Game blends sharp dialogue, comedic moments, and romantic tension, making it a delightful watch for fans of romantic comedies. The film’s appeal lies in the chemistry between Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell, who bring the characters’ banter and budding romance to life with charm and humor.

Special Effects
The Hating Game focuses more on character interactions and dialogue-driven scenes rather than special effects. The film’s production design effectively captures the workplace setting, with the contrasting personalities of the two main characters reflected in their respective workspaces. The film’s visual style is bright and colorful, matching the tone of the romantic comedy genre.

Box Office Performance
The Hating Game had a limited theatrical release and was primarily distributed through on-demand platforms, making it more accessible to a wider audience during its release. The film garnered positive attention from fans of the novel and romantic comedy enthusiasts, finding its audience through word of mouth and its availability on streaming services.

Filming Locations

• New York City, New York, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You’re the reason I come to work every day.” – Joshua Templeman
• “It’s possible to hate someone so much you fall in love with them.” – Lucy Hutton
• “All’s fair in love and war.” – Joshua Templeman

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Peter Hutchings sought to remain faithful to the spirit of Sally Thorne’s novel, ensuring that the film captured the witty banter and intense chemistry that fans loved in the book. Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell were cast for their ability to bring both humor and depth to their characters, and their chemistry was a key focus during production. The film’s New York City setting was chosen to emphasize the fast-paced, competitive environment in which the characters work, adding to the story’s tension and romantic stakes.

Awards

• N/A

Final Verdict
The Hating Game is a charming and entertaining romantic comedy that delivers on the beloved enemies-to-lovers trope. Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell bring great energy to their roles, making the chemistry between Lucy and Joshua both believable and engaging. The film successfully captures the wit and romantic tension of the original novel, making it a must-watch for fans of modern rom-coms. With its mix of humor, romance, and workplace drama, The Hating Game offers a fun and feel-good experience that will resonate with audiences looking for a lighthearted love story.

IMDb Rating
6.2/10