The Incredible Jessica James (2017)

The Incredible Jessica James feels special because it treats the rom-com not as a formula, but as a playground for a sharp, specific voice—Jessica Williams lights up the screen with the kind of funny, messy, fiercely alive energy you can’t fake. Set in a New York that’s more lived-in than postcard-pretty, it’s witty and warm without sanding down its characters’ bruises, letting romance arrive as something earned rather than inevitable. The movie has a breezy, conversational vibe, but underneath the jokes it’s quietly affectionate about creative ambition, rebound chaos, and the strange ways we try to rewrite our own heartbreak. If you want grand sweep and glossy escapism, this may feel small and talky—but if you’re on the fence, it’s exactly the kind of charming, refreshing grown-up comedy that sneaks up on you and leaves you smiling.

The Incredible Jessica James is aiming for a modern, talky New York rom-com about two bruised adults stumbling toward something healthier, with a side of creative-career angst. Jessica Williams is the clear reason to watch—she’s sharp, funny, and carries the movie even when the script coasts. The problem is it starts with a promising, specific voice and then settles into fairly standard beats, so the back half can feel slight and a bit muddled rather than emotionally surprising. If you want big romantic sparks, tight plotting, or a truly fresh take on dating-after-heartbreak, this may leave you underfed; if you’re happy to hang out with an appealing lead in a low-key, mildly raunchy vibe piece, it’s an easy enough evening.