Netflix’s The Wrong Paris brings Miranda Cosgrove back to the romcom scene, this time as a quirky, ambitious woman chasing love and opportunity in Texas. The film attempts a blend of reality-show satire and romantic comedy, drawing inspiration from The Bachelor and classic Hallmark formulas. While it has a promising setup, the execution struggles to deliver genuine charm, making it a lukewarm entry into Cosgrove’s post-iCarly career. Fans hoping for heartfelt romance may find themselves more entertained by the concept than the chemistry.
Plot Overview: Love Meets Ambition
Cosgrove plays Dawn, a small-town woman trying to fund her art school dreams in Paris, Texas. With a clever plan to join a reality dating show for a $20,000 payout, she hopes to get eliminated quickly while still earning the prize money. Along the way, she encounters Trey McAllen III (Pierson Fodé), a handsome ranch owner who complicates her plan with his charm and good looks. The setup promises a fun, flirty adventure, blending small-town charm with reality TV satire.
Characters and Performances
Miranda Cosgrove’s performance is energetic and playful, perfectly suited for slapstick moments and over-the-top comedy. Unfortunately, the romantic beats between her and Trey fall flat, lacking authentic chemistry. Pierson Fodé’s cowboy charm is predictable but visually appealing, and supporting roles from Yvonne Orji, Madison Pettis, and Madeleine Arthur add some humor and satirical commentary on reality show archetypes. Despite the talented cast, mechanical writing and predictable arcs limit their impact.
Cinematic Execution: Style Over Substance
The movie’s technical flaws are hard to ignore. Shoddy editing cuts off dialogue, and the front-focused camera work often feels like iPhone Portrait Mode. Scenes meant to feel grandly romantic or comedic occasionally look amateurish, detracting from the narrative. Even playful satirical nods to The Bachelor fail to land fully due to uneven pacing and uninspired cinematography. Netflix audiences expecting a polished romcom may find the visual style disappointing.
Themes and Takeaways
The Wrong Paris explores ambition, love, and compromise, but the message lands unevenly. Dawn’s pivot from pursuing her art dreams to entertaining romance feels regressive, highlighting tension between personal growth and romantic fantasy. While the film aims to critique reality dating tropes, it ultimately leans on clichés, leaving viewers craving more wit and less formula. It’s a reminder that even a talented cast cannot save a weak script.
Final Verdict
Despite its colorful setting, quirky premise, and the charisma of Miranda Cosgrove, The Wrong Paris struggles to balance comedy, romance, and satire. Fans of lighthearted romcoms may enjoy moments of slapstick fun, but those seeking a heartfelt narrative or believable romance might be left disappointed. It’s a Netflix romcom that makes a few right choices but ultimately falls short of memorable.
