Written by Jesus Figueroa
@ThisFunktional
Funny slice-of life rom-com MISS MATCHED is charming and enjoyable with a fun story and a positive portrayal of ichthyosis.
Logan Holmes, a recently divorced architect with ichthyosis, enters online dating convinced he repels love. After a string of failed matches, he turns to Esther, an offbeat matchmaker determined to prove her approach—very different from her matchmaker-mother’s—is the right one. Certain there’s a perfect match for everyone, Esther takes Logan on as a client. But as their unconventional partnership unfolds, both of their beliefs begin to crack. Logan is forced to confront the story he’s been telling himself about being unlovable, while Esther begins to question whether her own rules about love are just as limiting. Through awkward dates, unavoidable connection, and unexpected vulnerability, Miss Matched is a warm, comedic reimagining of the rom-com—where love isn’t about finding the perfect match, but choosing someone–and choosing yourself–and making that choice right.
While main character Logan, played by Jonathan Green, has a skin disorder it is a part of the story without being entirely centered upon the disorder.
Pros:
- This film is a good fun comedy with a good storyline that does not try to do more than what the film can.
- The film contain sweet and relatable characters in the leads. These characters feel like they could be pulled out of real life and have dialogue which flow well.
- The story is amazing and well structured while at times being cheesy but in the best way. It’s more of a real world cheesy rather than movie over the top cheesy that can be mistaken for romantic. It’s flirty playful banter and not pushy aggressive flirting.
- Great growth and story arcs
- The cinematography is noteworthy as the film contain good visuals which capture tender moments and unexpected moments well.
- The editing keeps the pace flowing well. Crucial moments are presented well and presented beautifully.
Cons:
- Only thing that is not really a negative is that the story is a typical rom/com story, although told very well and not trying to reinvent the genre or being more than a rom/com.
This film is incredibly well done and I give it an 8 out of 10 rating. The story, while a bit common, is well presented, acting is great, and visual presentation is great. It is an enjoyable watch and the characters have depth to them. The pacing is good and it hits beats well as the comedy timing comes very naturally. This is a film that would be good to watch in theaters as people may react different and may increase the enjoyment of watching a story that is comical and heartwarming. The film does not try to be or do more than present an enjoyable, funny, and relatable story.
Miss Matched is the first positive portrayal of ichthyosis in narrative film. Not a documentary. Not a tragedy. Just a warm, funny love story with a lead who happens to have a rare skin disorder. Despite 27% of Americans living with a disability, only 2.8% of speaking characters in Hollywood’s most popular films have one.
Written, directed, and portrayed by someone with real lived experience, Miss Matched is part of the change: toward representation that is accurate, authentic, and kind.
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Writer/Director: Jonathan Green
Cast: Jonathan Green, Isa Espy, Michael Houston, Phillip Andre Botello
