Numa Perrier’s romantic comedy film The Perfect Find is a bold and vibrant escape into a world of love and ridiculousness. The characters in this film make unbelievable decisions in the name of love, resulting in grand proclamations and extravagant fashion choices. It’s a world that seems almost too fantastical to be true, but that’s part of the fun.
The story centers around Jenna, a 40-something fashion editor who is recovering from a devastating public breakup. Her 10-year relationship with Brian, an equally ambitious careerist, ended after Jenna sought clarity about their future. To escape the tabloid frenzy, Jenna moves back in with her parents, but is eventually kicked out and forced to return to Brooklyn.
The film quickly establishes its position among other iconic New York City-based shows like Sex and the City, Run the World, and Harlem. Like the protagonists of these shows, Jenna is determined to make a name for herself and find love in the Big Apple. The familiar backdrop of brownstone-lined blocks and street signs creates a recognizable New York City setting. However, the interiors of the characters’ apartments and workplaces may leave viewers questioning how they afford such spaces.
Jenna’s return to the city leads her to the offices of Darzine, a fictional publishing powerhouse run by her enemy, Darcy. Gina Torres delivers a standout performance as Darcy, the Anna Wintour-esque editor with whom Jenna has a complex history. The onscreen chemistry between Gabrielle Union’s Jenna and Gina Torres’ Darcy is a highlight of the film. Their gazes and banter are filled with shared history and resentment, which adds depth to their characters. Their fashionable outfits also hint at their different takes on maximalist aesthetics.
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As Jenna lands a new job at Darzine, her life starts to improve. She meets a charming, much younger man named Eric at a glamorous penthouse party, but their steamy make-out session is cut short. As it turns out, Eric is the magazine’s new videographer and Darcy’s son, making their mutual attraction more forbidden. Despite the focus on Jenna and Eric’s relationship, the film fails to fully flesh out Eric’s character, which results in uneven chemistry between the two leads. This makes it difficult for viewers to fully invest in their relationship.
However, Numa Perrier’s direction compensates for the narrative shortcomings. She pays homage to romantic comedies and vintage Hollywood, effectively capturing the essence of these genres. Perrier allows moments for Jenna and Eric to discuss their shared love for Greta Garbo and Nina Mae McKinney, incorporating archival clips and scenes from classic films. These touches capture the complexity of nostalgia and the role of Black archival reclamation in the present.
Additionally, Eric and Jenna’s quest to use vintage resellers and nostalgia to boost Darzine’s subscriptions adds depth to their relationship. It provides a secondary quest that adds balance to the film, giving their relationship more substance. However, the film still falls short in fully exploring their dynamic.
The Perfect Find is a visually stunning film with vibrant fashion choices and a stylish portrayal of New York City. Although the chemistry between the two leads may not be fully developed, Numa Perrier’s direction and the performances of Gabrielle Union and Gina Torres sustain the film. It is a delightful and enjoyable romantic comedy that allows viewers to escape into a world of love and fashion.
