The Queen of Rom-Coms Delights Fans Once Again with 'What Happens Later' Review

Article Summary

Megan Ryan and David Duchovny have excellent chemistry and deliver standout performances in What Happens Later, bringing fun and charm to the film.

The story, although sticking to predictable rom-com tropes, is enhanced by intriguing backstories and engaging comedic dialogue. Despite not relying on flashy visuals, the film's excellent casting and well-written script ensure a delightful and reassuring experience for fans of this genre.

These days, the romance comedy genre lacks great films. With most movies being released directly on streaming platforms or occasionally during awards season, there are very few romantic comedies that make it to the theaters. However, the return of Meg Ryan, known as the queen of romantic comedies, after her eight-year break, changes that. In her latest project, What Happens Later, Meg Ryan takes on various major creative roles to revive this genre. While the buildup to the film's release may not have been the most extravagant, and it may not have the same level of prestige as a Nora Ephron project, if you're longing for a classic Meg Ryan romantic comedy, What Happens Later is the perfect choice. So why not indulge in this nostalgic experience and appreciate Meg Ryan's return?

What Happens Later

Bill and Willa, former lovers played by David Duchovny and Meg Ryan, find themselves stranded at a regional airport due to a snowstorm. As they wait indefinitely, Willa, who is known for her belief in magic, and Bill, who tends to expect the worst, realize that their attraction and irritation towards each other is just as strong as it was years ago. While they unravel the mysteries of their shared past and compare their current lives to the dreams they once had, they question whether their reunion is mere coincidence or something more magical.

Release Date: November 3, 2023

Director: Meg Ryan

Cast: Meg Ryan, David Duchovny

Rating: R

Runtime: 105 Minutes

Main Genre: Romantic Comedy

Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy

Writers: Steven Dietz, Kirk Lynn, Meg Ryan

Distributor: Bleecker Street

Essentially, Ryan's sophomore feature is a two-hander, starring alongside her is David Duchovny, another star of '90s pop culture. Other than Hal Liggett, who provides the voice of the seemingly sentient airport announcer, that's about it really. Together, they portray Willa and Bill, two former lovers who find themselves stranded overnight at a small airport, unraveling their entire relationship. Yes, that means discussing all the enjoyable moments and also addressing unresolved issues. While watching What Happens Later, it almost feels like witnessing a play, and there's a good reason for that. The film is an adaptation of Steve Dietz's play, Shooting Star, which was co-written by Ryan, Duchovny, and Kirk Lynn. Expect a one-location, dialogue-driven experience in Ryan's second effort, rather than being whisked away to various luxurious settings typically seen in romantic comedies. This movie relies heavily on the captivating chemistry between Ryan and Duchovny. It may have a touch of cheesiness here and there, but overall, What Happens Later surprisingly succeeds for the majority of its runtime.

'What Happens Later' Works Because of the Chemistry Between Its Leads

Image via Bleecker Street

There's nothing more detrimental to a romantic comedy than the lack of chemistry between its two main leads. Enduring 90 minutes to two hours with a pair of actors who simply can't synchronize, regardless of effort, is a major disappointment for these types of films. Consider Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz in the lesser-known What Happens in Vegas, or even Meg Ryan and William H. Macy in The Deal. This critique is not a reflection of the individual actors themselves, but rather an unfortunate consequence of their inability to harmonize on screen. As evidenced by her performances in Sleepless in Seattle and When Harry Met Sally..., we know Ryan is capable of delivering exceptional performances—it just hinges on her co-star.

Duchovny, renowned for his roles in The X-Files and dramas like Californication, also boasts a plethora of comedies under his belt. However, his ability to generate chemistry in a romance is evident in The X-Files, where he effortlessly bounces off Gillian Anderson and maintains an underlying tension. Now, the question is how well he will mesh with the talented Ryan.

When paired together, Ryan and Duchovny ignite like dynamite. Although it remains uncertain whether they share a friendship off-screen, their collaboration in What Happens Later showcases a captivating chemistry. It feels as though their connection spans decades. While the movie's more poignant moments rely on their delivery, their true brilliance shines in the light-hearted and playful scenes.

Meg Ryan and David Duchovny Brought their A-Game to 'What Happens Later'

Image via Bleecker Street

Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by What Happens Later. While you might expect Meg Ryan to be the main focus, with David Duchovny merely playing the love interest, in reality, both actors shine and have a great time together. However, Ryan may occasionally go a bit overboard. After an eight-year break, she returns to the screen in a triple role as director, writer, and star, showcasing her expertise in the genre. Her performance boldly declares, "The Queen is back!" She effortlessly slips back into her charming and charismatic persona, but occasionally veers into clichéd emotional moments reminiscent of the Hallmark Channel.

These moments are not continuous, but when the characters Willa and Bill explore their emotional depths, some of Ryan's line deliveries and hippie wisdom may leave you cringing. Diehard rom-com fans may embrace these parts (minus the overly sentimental aspects), but casual viewers should be forewarned. Nevertheless, Ryan still exudes her trademark charm and delivers a captivating performance. While the movie may not reach the heights of classics like You've Got Mail, Ryan's talent remains intact and she proves to be as enjoyable as ever on the screen.

Duchovny, on the contrary, has no vested interest in this film other than his portrayal. He effortlessly enters the scene with composure, showcasing his typical demeanor, and does not fail to impress. In fact, he manages to steal the spotlight in this movie. The chemistry between him and Ryan is evident, as it appears that Ryan allowed for a significant amount of improvisation during filming. The two of them clearly have a great time and effortlessly bounce off each other, but it is primarily Duchovny who elicits a multitude of laughs throughout. He delivers his lines with the quick-witted charm reminiscent of Harrison Ford, effortlessly brushing off clever remarks and delivering charming quips. This performance doesn't revolutionize the genre, but it certainly embodies the ideal for a romantic comedy.

'What Happens Later' Isn't Entirely Predictable

Image via Bleecker Street

Although the storyline of What Happens Later may seem predictable at times, it manages to pleasantly surprise us. These types of movies generally follow a familiar pattern and the audience anticipates the eventual outcome. However, in this film, the characters of Willa and Bill defy expectations and keep us engaged. We are primarily interested in witnessing how they support and console each other, navigating through their personal challenges. Ryan, Lynn, and Dietz have skillfully incorporated intriguing aspects from both Willa and Bill's pasts. Whether through clever comedic exchanges or genuine dramatic moments, their stories unfold effortlessly.

That being said, there are a few instances where Ryan skillfully moves the camera back and forth while Willa and Bill engage in sarcastic banter, which injects some visual flair into the film. However, for the most part, the overall aesthetic is as vibrant as a typical car advertisement. Additionally, the movie incorporates a number of popular songs, which in theory should enhance the experience, but unfortunately, they mostly consist of cheaply produced cover versions. At times, these musical choices can be somewhat distracting, but not to the extent of ruining the film. Remarkably, the movie showcases a handful of visually stunning effects shots, with the most impressive one serving as the final scene. If it weren't for the fact that these moments were placed in a somewhat sentimental film, they would be unforgivable.

Content rating: B-minus. What Happens Later may not revolutionize the romantic comedy subgenre, but sometimes all you need is a comforting movie experience. Meg Ryan is a staple in romantic comedies and rarely disappoints. Additionally, David Duchovny brings a fun and entertaining element to the film with his humor and relatable problems. While the movie may not leave a lasting impact, it exceeds expectations for those who enjoy lighthearted comedies, particularly in the romantic genre. Honestly, it's hard to dislike this movie unless you have a lack of sentiment.

What Happens Later is playing in theaters in the U.S. starting November 3. Click here for showtimes near you.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the movie "What Happens Later." On the one hand, I appreciate the return of Meg Ryan to the romantic comedy genre, and I think she still has the charm and charisma that made her a star in the 1990s. On the other hand, I found the movie to be predictable and lacking in originality. The plot is very similar to many other romantic comedies, and I could guess the ending from the very beginning.

Overall, I think "What Happens Later" is a harmless and enjoyable film, but it's not one that I would consider to be a classic of the genre. It's a movie that I would recommend to fans of Meg Ryan and romantic comedies in general, but I don't think it's a must-see for everyone.