Netflix And Chill: Always Be My Maybe (2019)

You pick a rom-com to watch when you want something comforting and familiar. Always Be My Maybe provides you with all of those familiar comforts. The two leads (Sasha, played by Ali Wong, and Marcus, played by Randall Park) seem destined to be together, various obstacles get in the way of their happiness, and the finale allows for some last-minute reveals and earnest speeches. I am sure that cynical viewers will either avoid this entirely or watch it and then criticise it for everything that it gets absolutely right. Everyone else can have a fine time.

That's not to say that this film does everything in ways that you've seen before. Let me get the basics out of the way and I'll highlight a couple of key differences that put this in the upper echelons of the modern rom-com arena.

We first meet Sasha and Marcus as kids, fast becoming firm friends. Things keep going well until a tragedy leads to a moment in which they have sex. And it starts to unravel from there. Fast forwarding to the present day, we now see that Sasha is a very successful celebrity chef, while Marcus still living at home with his father (James Saito). Fate brings Sasha and Marcus together, of course, and then looks as if it is determined to keep them apart.

There was very little point in me even writing that briefest of plot summaries. This is about as predictable as they come, in some ways. There are other elements that add to the simple pleasures. A plot strand about Marcus still being part of the band that he's been with since his youth, and how he doesn't take the step needed to try and get them more exposure, works well as both an amusing "b-plot" and also a display of the main character flaw that affects his relationship potential. There's also a cameo from Keanu Reeves that sees him playing an exaggerated version of himself, pretty consistently hilarious in a scene which has him as the fourth person at a dinner table quartet.

Director Nahnatchka Khan impresses with her feature directorial debut (after a good bit of time spent working as a producer on TV shows, most notably on Fresh Off The Boat, which also stars Randall Park), helped by the sharp script, co-written by Park, Wong, and Michael Golamco. It may seem light and easy enough, simplistic even, but there's care taken to lift the material at every opportunity. First of all, and arguably key to the whole thing, is the Asian-American cultural filter that changes everything slightly. Although many have been quick to cite Crazy Rich Asians as the closest comparison, the differences are just as important as the similarities, with this film showing the experience of integrating into America rather than the experience of reintegrating into the traditions held dear by families who may resent some of the trappings of modern America. There's also the fact that this is a rom-com based on both leads feeling as if they missed a major opportunity. That may not seem like a big deal but, trust me, it really changes the feeling of the whole thing, especially when compared to movies that have a guy moping over his lost love as he tries to better his life, or a woman making big eyes at someone she has yet to confess her feelings to.

Wong and Park are brilliant in their lead roles, very easy to like even while showing their character flaws. Saito is very sweet and likeable, Vivian Bang is wonderfully offbeat as Park's girlfriend, and Michelle Buteau is the good friend to Wong who helps her and comments honestly when it's needed. Daniel Dae Kim does well in his small role, and I cannot even mention Reeves again without getting a big grin on my face.

Sharp, cute, sometimes very funny, Always Be My Maybe is perfect entertainment for those who are seeking something that will keep you smiling and give you a sweet love story without ever feeling too sickly.

9/10

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