Something New (2006)

Something New is a rare romantic comedy that feels grown-up without losing its sparkle, anchored by Sanaa Lathan’s beautifully calibrated performance as a woman who’s mastered every part of life except the messy, thrilling leap of the heart. Director Sanaa Hamri gives the film a polished, contemporary glow—smart, stylish, and quietly observant about family expectations and the social scripts we inherit—while letting the romance breathe with genuine warmth and wit. The real hook is the chemistry: Simon Baker’s easygoing charm plays perfectly against Lathan’s guarded precision, creating a push-pull that’s funny, tender, and emotionally convincing. If you prefer rom-coms with a little more conversation than contrivance—and a little more sincerity than cynicism—this one sneaks up on you in the best way, though viewers wanting broader slapstick may find it more mellow than madcap.

Something New wants to be a glossy, feel-good rom-com with a bit of cultural conversation baked in, using Kenya’s tightly controlled life as the backdrop for a “let go and love” awakening. The problem is it often plays like a familiar checklist of beats, with characters that can feel more like types than fully lived-in people, and the film’s attempts to address race and expectation are sometimes smoothed over into easy, tidy moments. If you’re looking for a sharper, more nuanced take on interracial dating and family pressure, this may feel lightweight and a little too eager to wrap discomfort in a bow. Still, Sanaa Lathan is consistently charming and grounded, and if you’re in the mood for a warm, undemanding romance with attractive leads and low emotional risk, it can do the job.