‘What happens next’ review: a romantic comedy from another time

‘What happens next?’

Address: Meg Ryan

translators: Meg Ryan, David Duchovny

premiere: 17 May 2024

★★

There is something pleasing about the decision MegRyan related to write, direct and star in film in the mold of romantic comedies Between the late ’80s and the late ’90s, this made him a star (“Something to Remember,” “You’ve Got Email”). ‘What happens next?’The film, about two ex-lovers who meet again at the airport during a Christmas blizzard, consciously avoids updating, reinterpreting or any hint of irony while saving old reliables. the charisma, warmth of the lead pair and, above all, the inspiring dialogue..

Meg Ryan disapproves of all this in her second feature as a director. The main couple is working. The chemistry between her and David Duchovny is clearly visibleand it’s admirable that the characters are in their 60s, unlike what has happened in most recent romantic comedies (“Nobody But You”, “What I Know About You”). flirts dangerously with cutenessRyan allows for clever and intriguing touches of magic realism in his film. But while ‘What Happens Next’ has some inspiring moments (about things left unsaid, the passage of time, relationships between parents and children) and some emotional dialogue, Meg Ryan’s movie There is neither charisma nor brilliance in his writing. One of the romantic comedies to which the producer sincerely pays tribute.