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Love Hard

Play trailer 2:28 Poster for Love Hard 2021 1h 44m Holiday Romance Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
53% Tomatometer 30 Reviews 89% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
An LA girl, unlucky in love, falls for an East Coast guy on a dating app and decides to surprise him for the holidays, only to discover that she's been catfished. This lighthearted romantic comedy chronicles her attempt to reel in love.
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Love Hard

Love Hard

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Critics Consensus

Love Hard's interesting setup and charming cast have a definite rom-com appeal, even if the story never quite develops its main characters' love connection.

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Audience Says

Anyone in the mood for a sweet and charming holiday rom-com won't find it difficult to love Love Hard.

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Critics Reviews

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BuzzFeed Staff BuzzFeed News I was amused watching the writers try to twist this strange premise into a happy ending. Dec 10, 2021 Full Review David Ehrlich IndieWire American rom-coms have become a zombie genre, and brainless streaming content like Love Hard -- from its tech-driven narrative, nostalgic plotting, and tossed-off production -- epitomizes why they refuse to die or be reborn. Rated: D+ Nov 5, 2021 Full Review Melanie McFarland Salon.com Opposites attract, always and forever... and yet the screenwriters never bother to develop a plausible path for the destined couple to find its way to each other. Nov 5, 2021 Full Review Tamma Moksha The Hindu Despite being an easy watch, the holiday film does leave one wondering if it takes a step too far in rationalising catfishing, and portraying the phenomenon as harmless. Jun 12, 2024 Full Review Jillian Chilingerian Offscreen With Jillian A light-hearted film with themes of lying makes it an interesting watch that leaves viewers confused about the overall message. Jul 26, 2023 Full Review Nuha Hassan Nuha Hassan (Medium) Love Hard doesn’t try to be any of those movies, but the magic and chemistry between the romantic leads are just nowhere to be found. Jul 21, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Sam S. I watch this one every Christmas and it never gets old. It is very easy to watch and enjoy, and it fits perfectly into that spot where you are either easing into the Christmas season or trying to get reminded of it again. The comedy hits the right balance. Nothing is overdone and nothing feels undercooked. It is simple, fun, and comfortable. The kind of holiday movie you can put on without thinking too hard and still walk away smiling. I give it an 8 out of 10 because I like it. Plain and simple. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/23/25 Full Review Douglas E Another good Christmas romantic comedy. And although the couple doesn’t match aesthetically, I felt a real chemistry between them — and that makes all the difference. It’s worth checking out. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/21/25 Full Review Due F Love Hard captures the messy beauty of modern romance — where screens connect hearts as easily as they disguise lies. Natalie, a hopeful writer tired of failed relationships, believes she’s finally found “the one” in Josh, only to discover she’s been catfished. What begins as deception slowly transforms into an unexpected journey of honesty and vulnerability. Despite its lighthearted tone and festive charm, the film gently reminds us that love isn’t about perfection or appearances, but the courage to be real — because sometimes, the truest connection comes from the heart, not the picture. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com) and (English version : uwiepuspita.com) Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/11/25 Full Review Rory S Glorifying being catfished. Then blame the girl as the predator is innocent looking asian guy. Then to one up his brother he forces her to accept a public proposal. She ends up apologising for trying to get to know the guys whose image was actually stolen. She also apologises to the guy and family for not going through the sham engagement party. Disgusting Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 08/08/25 Full Review Jonatan A Una peli bonita, predecible, pero con buen espíritu.. se le nota el amor y fija para navidad Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/18/25 Full Review Andrew M "Love Hard" is the kind of Christmas rom-com that gets under your skin in the best way possible. It's a delightful blend of humor, romance, and a bit of self-aware wit that makes it stand out in the crowded holiday movie landscape. I found the plot engaging, and sweet enough heart to make watch it beginning to end. Jimmy O. Yang and Nina Dobrev bring their characters to life with fantastic chemistry and charm. Yang’s performance as the endearing underdog and Dobrev’s role as the relatable, albeit sometimes insufferable, protagonist kept me hooked from start to finish. Their dynamic is both touching and hilarious, making the inevitable romance feel both earned and authentic. The movie also cleverly nods to holiday classics and rom-com tropes, all while maintaining a fresh and modern vibe. From the hilarious Christmas caroling scene to the debate over whether "Die Hard" is a Christmas movie, it’s filled with moments resonated with me as a movie fan. The soundtrack is perfectly chosen, enhancing the movie’s warm and cozy feel, and the writing balances the comedic and heartfelt moments with finesse. However, it's not without its clichés – there are sassy best friends, stern bosses, and wacky grandparents. But these elements are handled with such a light touch that they feel more like affectionate tributes than tired tropes. The film's ability to poke fun at itself while delivering a genuinely touching love story is what makes it special. Despite a few predictable moments, "Love Hard" manages to be endearing and entertaining, a perfect pick for a cozy night in. Whether you're a die-hard rom-com fan or just looking for a feel-good Christmas movie, "Love Hard" is a delightful treat that’s well worth your time. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/05/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Love Hard

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Movie Info

Synopsis An LA girl, unlucky in love, falls for an East Coast guy on a dating app and decides to surprise him for the holidays, only to discover that she's been catfished. This lighthearted romantic comedy chronicles her attempt to reel in love.
Director
Hernán Jiménez
Producer
McG, Mary Viola
Screenwriter
Daniel Mackey, Rebecca Ewing
Production Co
Wonderland Sound and Vision
Genre
Holiday, Romance, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 5, 2021
Runtime
1h 44m
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