Getting It Right (1989)

Getting It Right is the kind of British romantic comedy that sneaks up on you—modest in its ambitions, generous in its heart, and quietly hilarious in the way real life can be when you’re too shy to keep up with it. It finds warmth and wit in awkward silences, social missteps, and the sudden, bewildering attention of romance, letting its characters feel human instead of engineered for punchlines. There’s a gentle, humane glow to the film, as if it’s rooting for everyone to grow up a little without ever laughing at them, and the dialogue has that dry, affectionate snap that lingers like a good memory. If you’re expecting big set pieces or glossy rom-com fireworks, this may feel small, but if you want something charming, delightful, and surprisingly meaningful, it’s an easy film to fall for.

Getting It Right is aiming for a quirky, slightly offbeat romantic comedy about a painfully shy late bloomer stumbling into adult life and unexpected attention. The problem is it often plays like a familiar setup stretched thin, with a plot that wanders and too few genuinely memorable scenes to justify the runtime. Some of the humor also has a mean-spirited edge, so if you’re sensitive to “laugh at the awkward guy” vibes, it may feel more cruel than charming. If you like low-key ’80s rom-coms and don’t mind a meandering pace, there are a few sweet moments and an underdog appeal, but don’t go in expecting sharp wit or big payoff.