‘Her Pen Pal’ Review: A Gorgeous Summer Romance

While some might deem Paris a cliché destination for romance, others like me could never fully describe the charm and magic that perpetually remains there. So, yes, Paris is exceptionally romantic, and so is Hallmark’s Her Pen Pal—a must-watch little film that’ll have you kicking your feet and screaming at every scene. 

Her Pen Pal follows Victoria (Mallory Jansen) and Jacques (Joshua Sasse) in a second-chance pen pals romance that proves real love knows no time or distance. As someone who adores both tropes, I’m generally more critical of the execution, but everything we get in Clare Niederpruem’s feature receives a hearty five out of five stars from me. Full of longing, angst, moments of unparalleled joy, and depictions of great friendships alongside the romance, everything about the film is a winner. 

When it comes to romance, the cliches are there for a reason. We each have our list of favorite details, and any time they show up on the screen, it’s butterflies galore as we watch them come to life and amplify the love story. Here, I personally get a real treat as it features a moment where he cooks for her, “it’s always been you” vibes, a visit to Montmartre, and longing gazes in front of monuments. (If you’ve read my debut, To the Skyline—you get it.) I’m a total sap for each of these micro-moments because they actively show us why the couple is right for each other. 

On top of all this, the love between Victoria and Jacques focuses on unlocking what’s underneath and setting the two of them free while they fight to stay together. It’s about giving every part of you to someone, believing with complete conviction that they’ll keep you safe because they’re your best friend and the love of your life at the same time. (Friends, I’m in shambles. This movie was so cute, I can’t fully process it.)

There’s also something to be said about how the film centers around compelling friendships with strong women and allows them each to shine in their own unique way. What could’ve been an unoriginal depiction of catty drama is instead an examination of how women could appreciate and love one another. An ex’s new girlfriend doesn’t always have to be terrible; sometimes, they could be a new addition to an already adoring friend group.

With these narratives, Her Pen Pal is something that could effortlessly become a comfort movie—a reminder that sometimes, the best things are worth waiting for. They’re worth coming back to when you both know what it’s like to be without each other, miles away and without communication. 

The most memorable romance movies take us through a journey that feels earned. It’s not always easy to believe that the relationship could last after the credits roll, but with Victoria and Jacques, it feels permanent. Whether they’ll find themselves wandering or settling down at his family chateau, we can be sure of the fact that they’ll do it together. They’ll survive whatever life throws at them and come out on the other end confident that chasing this second chance is the easiest decision they’ve both made. It’s about realizing that for years and years, they were missing from each other, two halves of a whole, perfectly fit to be together through everything.

Perfect for the summer season and those who find nostalgia and love sprinkled into the afterglows, Her Pen Pal is a profoundly romantic hidden gem to dive into. The writing is warm, bright, and surprisingly organic. The wedding planning takes our characters through gorgeously scenic locations, and every moment feels like it’s coming straight out of the best romance novels. Oh, and dear reader, he speaks French. Need I say more?

First Featured Image | Official Poster Credit: ©Hallmark