A typical rom-com about four thirtysomethings who attempt to navigate the world of 21st century online dating. Here is our review of Director Laura Irene Young’s I Swiped the Wrong One.
I Swiped the Wrong One is a light, good-natured romantic comedy that delivers a witty and familiar take on the search for love in the digital age. Though a few rough edges show through in its performances and pacing, its warmth, honesty, and genuine heart ensure it remains an engaging and thoroughly likeable experience.
The story centres on Amanda, Rachel Pfennigwerth, a former D.C. political aide who returns home to Pittsburgh after her congressman boss (Joe Fishel) becomes embroiled in scandal. Moving back in with her loving but overbearing parents, she’s soon pushed into the world of online dating, despite her reluctance. Meanwhile, Michael (Dustin Andrews), a recently divorced man still reeling from his breakup, and Ashley (Emily Moore), a young woman fed up with dating apps, navigate their own romantic misadventures. Their paths cross through a series of comic misunderstandings, culminating in an awkward but charming group meeting at a local coffee shop that sets the film’s central relationships in motion.
The premise is simple but effective, and Joe Fishel’s script mines humour from the familiar awkwardness of modern relationships. The best moments are character-driven: Amanda’s parents offering outdated dating advice “No criminals, dear!” or Ashley’s chaotic co-worker misfiring romantic video messages in her name. The film’s comedy is observational rather than broad — it gets laughs from how real people stumble, hesitate, and overthink, especially when trying to find love online.
Still, the dialogue can be overly expository, with characters frequently explaining things the audience already understands. Amanda recounts her D.C. scandal and move home several times, and other scenes spell out emotional stakes that could have been shown visually or left implied. These info-heavy exchanges slow the pacing and rob some scenes of natural rhythm. A lighter, more trusting approach letting the audience infer backstory through behaviour, visuals, or tone — would make the film flow more smoothly and feel more cinematic.
The performances are uneven but likable. Pfennigwerth brings warmth and grounded humour to Amanda, while Moore’s dry wit as Ashley provides a refreshing counterpoint. Meanwhile, Andrews gives Michael an everyman sincerity. The supporting cast particularly the parents deliver some of the film’s funniest moments, balancing heart and absurdity. However, at times the acting feels tentative, and line delivery lacks spontaneity, which sometimes dulls the comic timing.
Visually, the film is well shot but static, relying mostly on medium two-shots and simple setups. While this straightforward approach keeps the focus on the actors, it also gives some scenes a flat, stage-like feel. A touch more camera movement or variety could have added energy and helped accentuate the humour.
That said, I Swiped the Wrong One succeeds where it matters most in its tone and heart, avoiding the usual rom-com clichés and offers a more grounded view of modern relationships, where missed connections and awkward encounters can still lead to personal growth. The ending, in which characters learn to move forward rather than chase picture-perfect love, feels refreshingly real.
Despite its flaws, this is a sweet, well-intentioned indie comedy with moments of real insight. I Swiped the Wrong One may not be a flawless production, but its sincerity and sense of humour earn it genuine affection. A likeable, quietly charming three-star swipe to the right.
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