Players (2024)

Ridicuously slow start, I almost gave up on watching this because it took so long before any kind of plot was introduced - But it would probably have been better if I had. The main character's plan is so stupid that I was just sitting there waiting for it to blow up, and at that point it had been clear for a long time who she was meant to end up with.

This film is yet another awkward rom-com with a terrible message throughout. Gender-swapping the roles doesn't make the actions any less creepy, and the story suffers as a result. The story is fundamentally flawed. Despite the gender swap intended to offer a fresh perspective, it fails to address the inherent problems in the characters' actions. For instance, if a character's behavior is creepy or inappropriate, switching the gender doesn’t change the discomfort it causes. This film illustrates this well, with scenes that feel uncomfortable and forced rather than charming or funny. The film desperately tries to sell us unlikable characters by casting likable actors, but this strategy falls flat. The characters’ actions and motivations are poorly developed, making it hard for the audience to root for them. The narrative is messy and disjointed, lacking a coherent flow. Key plot points are either rushed or dragged out, leaving viewers confused and disengaged. For example, the romantic climax, which should be the film’s highlight, is poorly executed and fails to deliver any emotional impact due to the lack of build-up and character development. Moreover, the underlying message of the film is problematic. It seems to suggest that certain behaviors are acceptable simply because they are performed by the opposite gender, which is a troubling notion. This rom-com fails on multiple levels. Its gender-swapped roles do nothing to mitigate the creepiness of the characters’ actions, and the messy storyline fails to engage. Casting likable actors cannot save a film with fundamentally unlikable characters and a problematic message. This movie is a reminder that superficial changes cannot fix deep-seated narrative issues. For a rom-com to succeed, it needs genuine charm, well-developed characters, and a coherent, thoughtful story—none of which this film provides.