🎬 Puppy Love (2023)



Trailer provided by Rotten Tomatoes TV via YouTube.

              

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Release Date: August 18, 2023

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Platform: Amazon Freevee

Directors: Nick Fabiano & Richard Alan Reid

Starring: Lucy Hale, Grant Gustin, Nore Davis, Michael Hitchcock, Jane Seymour





Overview



Romantic comedies have always been a comfort genre—predictable in the best way, filled with laughter, misunderstandings, and ultimately, love. Puppy Love (2023) tries to inject a fresh spark into the formula by bringing two polar opposites together through an unexpected source: their dogs. Directed by Nick Fabiano and Richard Alan Reid, this breezy rom-com stars Lucy Hale and Grant Gustin as two mismatched singles whose pets lead them into a mess of romance, chaos, and surprising self-discovery. While the film is undeniably cute and carries some genuine charm, it often treads on familiar ground and leaves us wishing it had taken more creative risks.





Plot Summary



Nicole (Lucy Hale) is an ultra-organized, type-A personality working hard to keep her life perfectly curated and clean. Max (Grant Gustin), on the other hand, is a lovable slacker who wears his heart—and his mess—on his sleeve. Their lives couldn’t be more different, and when the two match on a dating app, the first date is a disaster.


Enter Chloe and Channing Tatum—their dogs. After a frenzied encounter leads to the pets becoming, let’s say, more than friends, Nicole and Max are forced into a reluctant co-parenting situation. With an accidental puppy pregnancy as the spark, the duo is thrown together time and time again. What starts as irritation slowly morphs into flirtation, and of course, the gradual thaw of hearts on both sides begins.





Performances



Lucy Hale shines in her role as Nicole, bringing a believable mix of rigidity and vulnerability to the character. Hale, known for her roles in Pretty Little Liars and The Hating Game, clearly has a strong grasp on romantic comedy beats. She has a natural comedic rhythm, particularly when paired with the film’s over-the-top moments involving the dogs and her neurotic attempts at damage control.


Grant Gustin, known for his long-running turn as Barry Allen in The Flash, gets to show off his more relaxed, comedic side as Max. He leans into the character’s immaturity without making him unlikable, which is key for this kind of dynamic to work. Gustin and Hale’s chemistry is warm enough to make the relationship believable, though it occasionally feels more friendly than fiery.


The supporting cast includes Nore Davis as Max’s hilarious best friend Sid, Michael Hitchcock as Nicole’s awkward boss, and a delightfully eccentric Jane Seymour, who adds a dose of quirky wisdom. These side characters add flavor but are sometimes underused, serving more as comic relief than fully realized individuals.





Direction and Tone



Nick Fabiano and Richard Alan Reid approach the film with a clear affection for rom-com traditions, but they aren’t quite bold enough to reinvent them. The pacing is brisk, and the film smartly avoids dragging out the central conflict. Most scenes serve the plot directly, and the runtime is tight, making it an easy watch.


That said, the tone is inconsistent at times. Some scenes go for slapstick while others lean into heartfelt drama, creating a bit of tonal whiplash. It’s a balancing act the film doesn’t always manage to keep steady. Still, the energy stays light and enjoyable overall, and the film never takes itself too seriously.





Themes



At its core, Puppy Love is about compromise, connection, and letting go of perfection. Nicole and Max are archetypes of order versus chaos, but the film explores how both extremes are ultimately unsustainable in relationships. The dogs, while adorable, also serve a symbolic purpose—representing a bridge between their worlds and offering both characters a chance to grow through shared responsibility.


There’s also a subtle message about modern dating and how digital-first connections often don’t reflect reality. The disastrous first date serves as a cautionary tale that true compatibility isn’t about curated profiles but how people handle real-life challenges together—like cleaning up dog poop in the middle of a living room.





Visuals and Music



Visually, Puppy Love sticks to the bright and colorful palette typical of romantic comedies. There’s nothing groundbreaking in the cinematography, but the visuals support the film’s bubbly tone. From cozy apartments to sunny dog parks, the settings are crafted to feel familiar and comforting.


The soundtrack is filled with upbeat indie pop and light-hearted tunes that accentuate the film’s cheerful mood. It’s nothing particularly memorable, but it complements the story well without overpowering it.





What Works



  • Charming Leads: Hale and Gustin are likable and believable enough to carry the romance.
  • Dog Shenanigans: The film’s furry co-stars steal nearly every scene they’re in, providing many of the film’s most entertaining moments.
  • Light Entertainment: This is a great background movie—a feel-good watch when you want something easy and wholesome.






What Doesn’t Work



  • Predictable Plot: There are no real surprises here. The film plays it safe, relying heavily on genre tropes.
  • Lack of Depth: While enjoyable, it doesn’t dig too deep into emotional territory. The characters grow, but only on a surface level.
  • Tonally Uneven: The mix of goofy and sincere moments doesn’t always blend seamlessly.






Final Verdict



Puppy Love doesn’t reinvent the romantic comedy wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a serviceable, sweet little movie that delivers on its promise: cute dogs, cute leads, and a story about finding love in unexpected places. If you’re a fan of light rom-coms and don’t mind a bit of fluff (literal and metaphorical), it’s worth a watch.


Final Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)


It may not be a new classic, but Puppy Love is like a warm cuddle from a golden retriever—pleasant, predictable, and ultimately heartwarming.