The Other Zoey

The Other Zoey leans heavily into familiar rom-com territory, drawing obvious inspiration from *While You Were Sleeping* with its mistaken-identity plotline. Yet, despite the charm of Josephine Langford and Drew Starkey, the movie lacks the emotional depth and character development that made its inspiration a classic.

Josephine Langford does her best as Zoey, but her portrayal of a supposedly intelligent computer science student who believes lying to Zach’s family is a good idea feels a bit strained. Zoey's motivation for lying—to get closer to Zach’s cousin—feels shallow and less relatable, especially when she quickly shifts her romantic interest. Her actions sometimes come across as impulsive and self-serving, making her a harder protagonist to root for, though Langford’s natural chemistry with Drew Starkey helps balance it out.

Drew Starkey, meanwhile, is a pleasant surprise. Known for his more intense role in Outer Banks, Starkey shows versatility here, delivering a sweet and believable rom-com lead. His charm is undeniable, and it’s easy to see why anyone would fall for his character, Zach. The chemistry between Langford and Starkey is enjoyable and refreshing, though the movie doesn’t give them quite enough time to build their relationship. I would have loved more scenes of them truly connecting, as the dynamic between them is the film’s strongest point.

The film does raise an interesting question about compatibility in relationships, and Elle’s speech toward the end offers a refreshing perspective on whether shared interests truly make for a lasting bond. However, this theme isn’t fully explored, making it feel like a missed opportunity. The supporting characters feel underdeveloped, and while Andie MacDowell’s appearance is a nostalgic nod to the rom-coms of the ’90s, her role is mostly decorative.

While The Other Zoey is predictable and packed with clichés, it has its own kind of charm, making it an easy watch for rom-com fans. The story is simple, fun, and appeals to a younger audience, steering clear of the more mature tropes found in Hallmark-style rom-coms. Despite the lower-than-expected rating, the film serves its purpose well as a lighthearted, feel-good escape, especially for fans of Starkey and Langford.

Overall, The Other Zoey isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s a pleasant movie to throw on when you’re in the mood for something light and obvious. It has potential, but the rushed storyline and lack of deeper emotional beats prevent it from fully delivering on the rom-com hype.