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Poetic License

Play trailer Poster for Poetic License 1h 57m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 21 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Verified Ratings
Poetic License follows Liz (Leslie Mann) a former therapist and soon-to-be empty nester, who relocates to a new town for her husband's job -- a place where she doesn't know a soul. Her quiet attempt to settle in takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the point of tension between two inseparable best friends and college seniors, Sam (Cooper Hoffman) and Ari (Andrew Barth Feldman). As their fierce competition for her attention threatens to upend their lives, Liz is pulled into a tangle of longing, self-discovery, and the intoxicating thrill of being truly seen -- forcing her to confront the life she's built and the one she still craves.
Poetic License

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Buoyed by sharp banter and standout performances, Poetic License marks an ambitious, refreshingly intellectual directorial debut for Maude Apatow that brings a tender spin to the coming-of-age rom-com.

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Cast & Crew

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Maude Apatow

Director

Leslie Mann

Liz Cassidy

Cooper Hoffman

Ari Zimmer

Andrew Barth Feldman

Sam Solomon

Nico Parker

Dora Cassidy

Martha Kelly

Professor Greta Ellis

Critics Reviews

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Jourdain Searles The Hollywood Reporter Sep 13
Despite its shortcomings, Poetic License is a film with a big heart populated by talented actors genuinely having fun with their characters. It’s a shame, then, that the story begins to fade from memory as soon as the credits roll. Go to Full Review Zachary Lee RogerEbert.com Sep 11
Maude Apatow has crafted a film for those who feel like life has crushed their ability to dream but who desire to recapture their wanderlust. Go to Full Review Richard Lawson Guardian Sep 8
4/5
Poetic License is far from mere pastiche. It has a distinct, youthful sensibility and sources its comedy more from recognisably human behaviour than from profane, one-liner riffing. Go to Full Review Ethan Dayton That Shelf Oct 15
With a better script, Apatow could surely level up as a director, and, at the very least, Poetic License will undoubtedly give her that opportunity. Go to Full Review Cameron Ritter Geek Vibes Nation Oct 5
6.5/10
Poetic License is a serviceable debut, seeing Maude Apatow in the director’s chair. Without Cooper Hoffman and Andrew Barth Feldman’s chemistry and comedic timing, though, there wouldn’t be much to write home about after seeing this film. Go to Full Review Louisa Moore Screen Zealots Sep 25
With a fresh, original voice in the coming-of-age genre, Maude Apatow’s charmer of a debut turns campus life into a witty, tender look at connection across generations. Go to Full Review Read all reviews
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Poetic License

Poetic License (2025) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Poetic License follows Liz (Leslie Mann) a former therapist and soon-to-be empty nester, who relocates to a new town for her husband's job -- a place where she doesn't know a soul. Her quiet attempt to settle in takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the point of tension between two inseparable best friends and college seniors, Sam (Cooper Hoffman) and Ari (Andrew Barth Feldman). As their fierce competition for her attention threatens to upend their lives, Liz is pulled into a tangle of longing, self-discovery, and the intoxicating thrill of being truly seen -- forcing her to confront the life she's built and the one she still craves.
Director
Maude Apatow
Producer
Judd Apatow, Joshua Church, Thalia Daniel, Benjamin Hung, Maude Apatow, Olivia Rosenbloom, Will Greenfield
Screenwriter
Raffi Donatich, Raffi Donatich
Distributor
Row K Entertainment
Production Co
August Night, Apatow Productions, Jewelbox Pictures
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 15, 2026, Wide
Runtime
1h 57m