Much has been made of the so-called “decline of the romantic comedy” over the past couple of years. With mid-budget studio movies growing more and more endangered in theaters, rom-coms are often mentioned as one of the industry’s biggest casualties. However, on streaming giants like Netflix and Hulu, the genre is arguably undergoing something like a revival. Besides minor internet sensations like “The Kissing Booth,” high-concept romantic comedies like “Plus One” and “Palm Springs” have received positive attention from critics and audiences for bringing a modern approach to a classic formula.
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Now, Amazon Prime is getting into the mix with “I Want You Back,” an upcoming romantic comedy with a strong premise and likable cast. The film stars Charlie Day (“Horrible Bosses”) and Jenny Slate (“Obvious Child”) as two jilted lovers who team up to win back their exes…and perhaps form a new connection along the way. Here’s the official synopsis:
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“Emma and Peter thought they were on the precipice of life’s biggest moments – marriage, kids, and houses in the suburbs – until their respective partners dumped them. In their thirties and terrified that they have missed their shot at happily ever after, Emma and Peter are horrified to learn that their partners have already moved on. With no prospects on the horizon and the threat of dying alone hanging over their heads, they hatch a desperate plan to put an end to their exes’ new relationships and win them back.”
The film comes from “Love, Simon” writers Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger, with direction by Jason Orley (“Big Time Adolescence”). Aside from Day and Slate, the cast features Gina Rodriguez and Scott Eastwood as the starring pair’s ex-lovers and Manny Jacinto and Clark Backo as the partners they’re replaced with.
“I Want You Back” is scheduled for release on February 11 exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. Watch the first trailer below.