
Logan Lerman Talks New Rom-Com ‘Oh, Hi!’ and Why Modern Dating Is So Complicated
Logan Lerman and director Sophie Brooks are bringing messy, relatable romance to the screen in their new film Oh, Hi!, a darkly funny and emotionally sharp look at the complexities of modern dating. Starring Lerman and Molly Gordon, the film explores a “situationship” turned chaotic when a romantic weekend spirals out of control.
In Oh, Hi!, Gordon plays Iris, a woman falling fast for Isaac (Lerman), as they head out on their first weekend trip together. But when Isaac confesses during an intimate night that he didn’t think they were exclusive, Iris is blindsided. In a moment of panic and heartbreak, she handcuffs him to the bed — not to harm him, but to try and show him how good they could be together.
It’s uncomfortable, hilarious, and surprisingly tender. And that’s exactly what Brooks intended.
Love, Miscommunication, and Emotional Minefields
“I think both of them genuinely believe they’re right,” Brooks said in our interview. “Isaac thought they weren’t exclusive, and Iris was sure they were. This kind of early dating miscommunication is so common — when you’re trying to seem cool or not too needy. That’s when things get messy.”
The film cleverly uses its outlandish premise to explore the very real emotional hazards of early relationships. Lerman, who read the script cold, said he was “completely shocked” by the story’s twist, but deeply connected to the characters.
“I’ve been the Iris before,” he admitted. “I’ve dated and felt confused when someone didn’t see the relationship the same way I did. I related more to Iris, which is what made this story hit so hard.”
Navigating That Pivotal Scene
One of the film’s standout moments comes when Isaac, trapped and increasingly nervous, accuses Iris of being “crazy” and tells her to “calm down.” The line blurs between emotional outburst and possible gaslighting.
“It was tricky,” Lerman said. “We had a lot of conversations about that moment. I leaned into the idea that Isaac isn’t sure if she might actually snap. It’s intense, but also funny and sad and everything at once.”
Brooks explained that while Iris’s behavior is exaggerated, it reflects a very human reaction. “She never intended to hurt him. It’s about that moment of desperation when your heart is broken and you act out of character,” she said. “We’re not promoting crimes of passion, of course, but I wanted to show how strong emotions can push people into surprising territory.”
She added, “Isaac calling her ‘crazy’ and telling her to calm down isn’t helpful, but I don’t think he’s trying to manipulate her. He just doesn’t know how to handle the moment.”
The Internet’s Role in Romance
In the film, after feeling rejected, Iris turns to the internet and stumbles down a rabbit hole of “how to keep your man” advice. Brooks said she wanted to highlight how overwhelming and anxiety-inducing online dating culture and social media can be.
“That kind of doomscrolling — we’ve all done it,” Brooks said. “When you’re desperate for answers, it’s easy to lose yourself in a sea of opinions. The modern dating world is so shaped by the idea that something better is always out there, and I think that devalues connection in a real way.”
While the characters meet on Tinder, Brooks is clear that she’s not anti-dating apps. “So many people I know met their partners online. But I do think the constant swiping and the idea of ‘better options’ can really mess with people’s ability to commit.”
Reflecting on Love, Then and Now
Lerman is no stranger to emotional storytelling. Back in 2012, he played Charlie in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, a role that gave us the now-iconic line: “We accept the love we think we deserve.” So how does that quote hold up in the world of Oh, Hi!?
“I love that quote,” Lerman said. “It’s powerful. But with Iris, I don’t think she’s settling for less. I think Isaac made her feel loved — he was love bombing her. And when she found out they weren’t on the same page, she tried to show him what they had. I don’t see it as accepting less. I see it as trying to wake someone up to what’s right in front of them.”
Why We Need More Movies Like This
Between Oh, Hi! and other recent relationship-focused films like Materialists, modern romance is having a cinematic moment. And Lerman believes that’s more important than ever.
“There’s so much to explore about love right now,” he said. “Every decade brings new challenges and perspectives. We need these stories — they help us understand ourselves and each other.”
Brooks agreed. “We’re all just trying to figure out how to be vulnerable in a world that constantly tells us to play it cool. That’s what this movie is really about — two people who are scared but want something real.”
Oh, Hi! is now playing in theaters. Whether you’re single, dating, or somewhere in between, it might just feel uncomfortably — and hilariously — familiar.
Popular Categories