‘Oh, Hi!’ review: Molly Gordon kills it in hilarious sex comedy

Molly Gordon finally shines in the must-see sex comedy “Oh, Hi!”
It’s high time Molly Gordon got a role that truly showcases her talents. The American actress has been knocking it out of the park with her supporting roles in various comedies, but it’s in “Oh, Hi!” that she truly shines.

A quirky sex comedy with a twist
In “Oh, Hi!”, Gordon plays Iris, a young woman who finds herself in a complicated and hilarious situation involving sex, love, and a bit of kidnapping. The film cleverly explores the perils of modern dating in a satirical and refreshing way.

The unexpected plot twist
The movie takes a bold move by keeping the most crucial scene offscreen, leaving the audience to rely on contrasting accounts to piece together the story. This decision adds a layer of complexity to the film, making it more engaging and thought-provoking.

Molly Gordon’s stellar performance
Gordon’s portrayal of Iris is a delightful departure from her previous roles, showcasing her range as an actress. Her character is both endearing and unpredictable, making for a captivating viewing experience. Whether she’s cooking scallops or engaging in some light BDSM, Gordon’s performance is nothing short of perfection.

Unconventional Comedy: Oh, Hi!

In each instance, Gordon risks falling into the trap of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl, a trope in which a gorgeous woman is made to be preciously nonthreatening yet inspiring to the male protagonist, so he might grow. But because of the central bondage element, the audience can’t shake off that Iris is threatening. And within that, Gordon displays a raw vulnerability that is in turn alarming and achingly relatable.

A Daring Film with a Bold Premise

Yet all this might be for naught if she weren’t matched by her captive and co-conspirators. Lerman sparks enticing chemistry with Gordon, which becomes tension as they shift from fucking to fighting. And even with his hands tied, he’s skilled at landing a wry punchline or a withering remark. As Iris’ bestie Max, Viswanathan brings the loose spontaneity that made her mesmerizing on Miracle Workers, while Reynolds brings hilarious wife-guy energy, whether small-talking or laying out legal obstacles to just letting Isaac go. And then there’s Cross, who finely tunes his gruffness to become an offbeat ally in this delicious, chaotic comedy.

In the end, Brooks and Gordon have made something beyond a very funny sex comedy. With a bold premise, clever character development, and a cracking ensemble cast, they’ve made a daring film that deserves to be compared to the likes of early Pedro Almodóvar (especially Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!) or Emma Seligman (Shiva Baby, Bottoms). Simply put, they’ve crafted a comedy as current and enthralling as it is outrageous. And by rights, it should prove Gordon is a star.

Oh, Hi! opens in theaters July 25.