Netflix’s Irish Wish, written by Kirsten Hansen and directed by Janeen Damian, is yet another Lindsay Lohan headliner delight that continues to feed the millennial soul’s unyielding thirst for romantic comedies. While it’s a bit underwhelming in some areas, it’s still an effortlessly blissful viewing experience that provides the necessary escapism to Ireland’s idyllic sights.
Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, too, Netflix’s Irish Wish acts as a gorgeous love letter to the locations of Ireland that, while “tourist traps” (Paul’s words), are still stunning exhibitions of the country’s beauty. If you look out toward the Cliffs of Moher and find yourself grumbling over how many people are trying to capture the beauty in front of them, then perhaps that’s a “you problem.” It’s magic, and it’s breathtaking, and the film’s choice of highlighting that detail captures the indescribable beauty perfectly while making it clear why words could never suffice.
Damian’s directions and the cinematography, which takes us from unruly airport spaces to gorgeous pubs, work to make the film cozy throughout while acutely showing us the parts of storytelling that feed into the bigger picture. Where it ultimately fumbles a bit is in the execution. More so, Lohan’s chemistry with Ed Speleers’ James is so amusing that it’s easy to want far more of the two of them than the bonkers off-the-wall fantasy portion of the film we get between Maddie and Alexander Vlahos’ Paul.
It’s a waste of time to set up a fun, banter-filled dynamic, go back on it, and jump forward toward a different version of said relationship, only to start all over again. Sure, it provides a unique premise, but part of what makes romantic comedies work so well is that even when they’re formulaic, they still tell nuanced stories that keep viewers engaged and coming back for more. In the end, it felt like we wasted far too much time with beats of a love triangle that weren’t necessary.
Still, Netflix’s Irish Wish gives us plenty of lovely moments with Maddie and James that scratch the rom-com itch. As we watch them get to know each other better while scouting for photographic locations and lodging together because of a storm, the film flies by in a short time. Forced proximity? Check. A sweet moment of vulnerability? Check. Darts? Dances? Drinks? Check check check. Viewers could see that they’re much better for each other than Maddie and Paul, but we can also feel far more adoration come to life in the quiet moments, too. These moments make the film as entertaining as it is because there’s also not much going on with the friendships. Sure, there’s a bit of understanding and clarity in the end, but quite frankly, why on earth does anyone want Paul?
Overall, it’s always lovely to utter these words, but Lindsay Lohan once again proves that the world of romantic comedies is just better with her back in it. The film doesn’t have to be perfect for the dynamics to work and for her performances to feel at home. Irish Wish is undoubtedly something that many viewers will likely watch and rewatch constantly. It’s a movie that’s an absolute joy ride, even when it’s got some questionable moments, and it’s one that’s easy to want more of. So, perhaps maybe, Irish Wish 2? I’ll take it.
Irish Wish is now streaming on Netflix.
First Featured Image | Official Poster Credit: ©Netflix