Which Brings Me to You: A Critical Review

The Lackluster Narrative

The film adaptation of Which Brings Me to You fails to capture the essence of the novel, leaving the audience with a lackluster narrative that falls flat onscreen. The characters, initially described as 'rambunctious' and engaged in a 'heated embrace,' are portrayed in a way that dulls their edges and cools down the heat of their encounter. Starring Lucy Hale and Nat Wolff, the story revolves around a chance meeting that evolves into a false stop relationship, eventually leading to a romantic correspondence that reveals the hearts of two romantic burnouts with messy and heartbreaking histories.

Nat Wolff and Lucy Hale snuggle up to each other while exchanging glances in Which Brings Me to You

The removal of crucial elements from the novel, such as the letters exchanged between the characters, further contributes to the lackluster nature of the film. Instead of embracing the romantic illusion created by the letters, the adaptation explores the characters' lives through vignettes, ultimately failing to captivate the audience.

Lucy Hale stares across the dance floor at her friend's wedding in Which Brings Me to You

Missing Elements from the Novel

One of the notable omissions in the film adaptation of Which Brings Me to You is the absence of the letters exchanged between the characters, John and Jane, in the original novel. The letters, which revealed the characters' anticipation of a romantic relationship blossoming from a clean slate, were a crucial element in the novel's narrative.

John Gallagher Jr and Lucy Hale take a stroll and talk in Which Brings Me to You

Additionally, the film's decision to alter the characters' names from John and Jane to Will and Jane, while also removing the letters, resulted in a significant departure from the source material. This deviation from the novel's essence raises questions about the adaptation's fidelity to the original story.

Nat Wolff and Lucy Hale on the Which Brings Me To You poster

Underwhelming Performances and Direction

The performances of Lucy Hale and Nat Wolff in the film are critiqued for their lackluster delivery, attributed to uninspired direction and flatness in the portrayal of the characters. Despite the potential for a dynamic portrayal of young love and maturing through heartbreak, the chemistry between the leads is deemed practically non-existent, ultimately impacting the onscreen romance.

Nat Wolff glances across the room at his friend's wedding in Which Brings Me to You

The direction by Peter Hutchings is also scrutinized for its inability to draw out charismatic and dynamic performances from the actors. The film's tonal inconsistency and stilted approach further detract from what could have been a compelling exploration of love and relationships.

Lucy Hale stares up at Nat Wolff in Which Brings Me to You