Meg Ryan returns to both acting and directing with What Happens Later, a delightful romantic comedy that proves some movie pairings are just timeless. While initial thoughts might drift to the classic Ryan-Hanks duo, David Duchovny steps into the role of Bill with a wry charm that’s undeniably perfect. Forget miscasting; this film showcases a fresh, engaging dynamic that’s all its own, leaving you hoping for more from this duo, and perhaps still dreaming of that Ryan-Hanks reunion down the line.
The chemistry between Ryan and Duchovny is the undeniable spark of What Happens Later. It’s genuinely fun to watch these two seasoned actors navigate the complexities of ex-lover dynamics in a way that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. In a genre often saturated with predictable tropes, this film manages to charm with a unique and understated approach. Yes, some might find the film leans into “cute” territory, and those critiques might hold water. However, the overall experience is genuinely enjoyable, exceeding expectations and delivering a rom-com that feels both heartwarming and grounded.
There are moments where Meg Ryan’s direction ventures into slightly whimsical territory, particularly during a scene where Bill and Willa, stranded in a snowed-in airport, engage in a cathartic shouting match with the universe. While the characters’ frustrations are understandable after a series of travel mishaps, the intensity of the outburst feels a tad forced within the otherwise naturalistic tone of the film.
However, this brief detour is quickly smoothed over by the consistently sharp and engaging dialogue that defines What Happens Later. Co-written by Ryan, Kirk Lynn, and Steven Dietz, adapting Dietz’s play Shooting Star, the film thrives on its witty exchanges and realistic portrayal of conversation. It’s a testament to the adaptation’s success that What Happens Later feels so organically cinematic, especially given its confined airport setting. Filmed in a real airport, the location adds a layer of authenticity that elevates the story beyond its stage origins. It’s hard to imagine the film resonating quite as powerfully on stage as it does on screen.
Ryan and Duchovny deliver performances that are wonderfully natural and relatable. They effortlessly embody the roles of former flames, now in their mature years, unexpectedly thrown back together during airport layovers. While many romantic comedies aim for light amusement, What Happens Later elicits genuine laughter, largely thanks to the performances of its leads. Adding to the comedic mix is Hal Liggett (a pseudonym, as playfully teased by Ryan and Duchovny), the airport announcer. Liggett’s subtly humorous responses to Bill and Willa’s queries provide consistent chuckles throughout the film.
Holding an audience’s attention for an hour and 45 minutes with essentially two characters is a significant achievement. What Happens Later makes this feat look effortless. Spending time with Bill and Willa is genuinely pleasant, and the film’s focus on older characters navigating love and reconnection is refreshing. While their precise ages are never stated, a sardonic remark about Bill being “well into my fifties” hints at their maturity. Both actors, in their early sixties, embrace their age authentically, a welcome sight in Hollywood.
Ryan’s portrayal of Willa is notably less whimsical than her iconic rom-com roles of the past. While Willa still embraces “magical thinking,” as Bill observes, she’s also a woman shaped by life’s experiences. Bill, similarly, carries the weight of time. As they reconnect, they not only catch up on lost decades but also re-examine their shared history, acknowledging both the strengths and weaknesses of their past relationship.
In a departure from typical romantic comedy conventions, What Happens Later concludes without a grand, sweeping romantic gesture. The title itself, What Happens Later, is both intriguingly ambiguous and perfectly suited to the film’s nuanced approach. The ending is charmingly understated, offering a sense of hope and a lingering connection between Bill and Willa. While What Happens Later might not single-handedly revive theatrical rom-coms – evidenced by sparse cinema attendance – it certainly sparks hope for the genre’s future. This is precisely the kind of film poised to find a wider audience and lasting appreciation when it becomes available on streaming platforms.
