Notting Hill
The brief
Notting Hill perfects the formula of bumbling Hugh Grant charm meets impossibly glamorous Julia Roberts, wrapped in Richard Curtis's cozy London fantasy where everyone lives in impossibly gorgeous flats they definitely can't afford. The film moves at a leisurely pace that lets you sink into its warm, Sunday-afternoon-with-tea tone, punctuated by genuinely funny moments from Rhys Ifans as Grant's slovenly flatmate. Roberts brings surprising vulnerability to what could have been a stock movie star role, while Grant does his stammering thing better than almost anywhere else. Perfect for anyone who thinks Four Weddings is comfort food cinema and doesn't mind their romance served with a heavy side of wish fulfillment.
The verdict
If you're in the mood for cozy romantic escapism with Hugh Grant's signature stammering charm and don't mind a fantasy version of London where bookshop owners live in magazine-worthy flats, this is pure comfort food cinema at its finest. If you prefer grounded romantic comedies or get annoyed by wish-fulfillment stories that ignore economic reality, you'll find this too sugary and unrealistic to enjoy.
Watch with
- 👫 Perfect date night comfort viewing
- 👥 Great for rom-com loving friends
- ⚠️ Skip if you hate slow-burn romance
Heads up
- Brief mild sexual content and innuendo (brief)
- Some strong language throughout (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Roger Michell
- Cast
- Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, Gina McKee, Tim McInnerny, Rhys Ifans, Emma Chambers, Hugh Bonneville
Official synopsis
London bookstore owner William Thacker's quiet life turns upside down when a chance encounter with famous actress
