“Oh, Hi!” Explores Dark Romantic Comedy with Echoes of “Misery”
A new dark romantic comedy, “Oh, Hi!,” starring Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman, premiered in Los Angeles on Tuesday, July 9, 2025, following its debut at Sundance earlier this year. The film, directed by Sophie Brooks, delves into the complexities of relationships and obsession, drawing comparisons to the psychological thriller “Misery.”
A Complicated Getaway
The film centers on a couple’s first romantic getaway, which takes a sharp turn when Lerman’s character, Isaac, declares he isn’t ready for a serious commitment. This prompts Gordon’s character, Iris, to embark on increasingly desperate attempts to change his mind. The premise, according to one of the film’s creators, originated from personal experiences. “Honestly, some men were a little mean to Sophie and I and then we just wanted to write a story about it,” she joked at the Los Angeles premiere.
Inspiration and Comparisons to Classic Thrillers
The project has sparked conversation due to its thematic similarities to Stephen King’s “Misery,” particularly the dynamic of a captive individual and their obsessive admirer. However, the filmmakers are quick to emphasize the distinction. “We bow down to Stephen King; this is totally its own thing, but I think we’re so inspired by the idea of like obsession and the humor in horror,” Gordon explained. While “Oh, Hi!” doesn’t involve physical harm, she noted the inspiration drawn from Kathy Bates’ performance in “Misery,” specifically her “freedom” within the role.
The film also incorporates elements of classic romantic comedies, with Nora Ephron cited as a key influence.
Lerman and Brooks on the Project’s Appeal
Lerman, who will also appear in the upcoming season of “Only Murders in the Building,” expressed his enthusiasm for the script. “I just thought it was brilliant. I was like, ‘This needs to be made, this is a movie I actually want to see in theaters,’ and I was just grateful that it came my way. And grateful for financiers to take a chance on this little independent film.” He also acknowledged the inspiration from “Misery,” stating, “Misery is like one of my top 10 favorite movies ever — it’s a perfect movie, I watch it every year. But it isn’t Misery, it’s its own movie; it takes a left turn and has something to say but it’s very different from that. But there’s obvious inspiration.”
“Oh, Hi!” is scheduled for release in theaters on July 25.
