I Want You Back (2022)

I Want You Back feels like a modern rom-com that actually remembers the “com” and the “rom,” propelled by the wonderfully off-kilter chemistry between Jenny Slate and Charlie Day as two freshly dumped strangers who turn heartbreak into a mischievous, messy mission. The movie’s special trick is how it lets the sabotage premise generate big laughs while quietly sneaking in a warm, human sweetness about what we think we want versus what we truly need. Jason Orley keeps the vibe breezy and contemporary—smart, slightly raunchy, and genuinely affectionate toward its characters—so even the bad decisions come with a wink and a pulse. It’s not for anyone looking for a squeaky-clean love story (it’s R-rated and knows it), but if you miss charming, actor-driven romantic comedies that leave you smiling instead of cynical, this one’s an easy yes.

I Want You Back is aiming for a comfort-food rom-com about two freshly dumped adults making a messy, slightly mean-spirited plan and accidentally finding something healthier along the way. The problem is it leans hard on familiar beats, so you can often see the turns coming long before the characters do, and the pacing can feel a bit soft in the middle. If you’re looking for a sharp, inventive comedy or a romance with real surprises, this will likely feel pleasant-but-forgettable rather than memorable. Still, Charlie Day and Jenny Slate have enough charm and awkward sincerity to carry it when the script plays it safe, and if you just want an easy, R-rated date-night watch with some laughs, it’ll do the job.