Always Be My Maybe - Netflix Original - Review

Always Be My Maybe

Netflix Original

Childhood sweethearts have a falling out and don't speak for 15 years. They reconnect as adults when Sasha, now a celebrity chef opening a restaurant in San Francisco, runs into Marcus, a happily struggling musician still living at home working for his dad as an electrician.

One might think that sparks would naturally fly again between the two, but they don’t. Marcus has regressed in terms of his achieving his goals and aspirations and Sasha successful in her own right is engaged to a highly successful entrepreneur chef who seemingly adores her. But with everyone making a full effort in their intentions to be civil to one another, the old memories of why they were close as kids keeps coming to the surface making it very difficult for both to admit they still may have deep feelings for each other after all this time.

REVIEW:  Structured as a light Korean romantic comedy, “Always Be My Maybe” is not going to take you or its overall story to any new places. You can pretty much surmise from the onset how this quirky topsy-turvy tale of love is actually going to end. But what is its strength is just how fully realized these two lovers (now adults) are executed with its smart writing and perfectly executed acting. And showcasing a solid cast that are all highly intelligent and mature, with one minor exception, this rom-com keeps delivering good entertaining stuff to thoroughly enjoy throughout its lightly dramatic story . 

It is also equally effective even when the writing settles for some momentary well timed adolescent behavior and humor. Director Nahnatchka Khan makes sure her Marcus and Sasha whether in the dramatic or comical moments, always keeps their conversational exchanges between the two (and others) crisp, nifty  and in the moment very real that for me was a huge pleasure to see and listen to.

In addition to the Direction there are several on going jokes that left me laughing throughout its 1:40 minute running time ranging from a matter of tipping for services rendered, Vienna sausages, an elaborate restaurant meal, a kind of truth or dare game, a car door that won’t open and buying a suit for a big event.

From the very beginning, “Always Be My Maybe” knows its true purpose in its ability to making you smile about 2 really decent and kind people finding love a second time around. It’s clever, with an irresistible wit and charm that is appropriately punctuated with some hilarious moments and verbal quips to keep the story fresh and refreshingly unpredictable.

3.50 Stars