“I’d call it a… a perfect find.” -Jenna Jones
The Perfect Find, based on the novel of the same name by Tia Williams, follows 40-year-old Jenna Jones (Gabrielle Union) as she drastically changes her life after the break up of her 10-year relationship with Brian (D.B. Woodside) upended it. Pushed back onto her feet, Jenna moves out of her parents’ place and returns to the place she calls home, New York; there, she dives into the world of beauty journalism by getting a job working for her longtime frenemy Darcy Hill’s (Gina Torres) company, Darzine. All is well until Jenna has an intense romantic connection with a younger man, Eric (Keith Powers) at a party, only to have him show up the next day at her office as the company’s videographer and Darcy’s son.
A slight tangent before we get into this review–Netflix doesn’t deserve this gem of a movie. It is a delight through and through. Sumptuous, vibrant, and perfectly executed in every way. I would have very much liked to have seen this on the big screen, and I also would love to own it on DVD/Blu-ray. Alas, the Netflix model is not designed for such luxuries, and here I am lamenting over how, once again, a film I adore, which happens to be directed by a badass woman, is not something I can tangibly own and cherish. Needless to say, The Perfect Find is one of the few “Netflix Original Films” worth dominating the Top 10 for many weeks.
As I said, Numa Perrier’s sophomore film (you can watch her directorial debut Jezebel on Netflix right now) is a delight. Granted, I have not read the book it is based on, so know that I cannot assess how faithful an adaptation is. I can only judge based on what the film is. The film is an ode to romantic comedies of yesteryear but with a modern touch and a helping hand of nostalgia. From the art direction to the character dynamics to how the narrative unfolds, the film is a surprising and insightful take on the May-December romance that infuses many of the fun and endearing tropes from the romantic comedy subgenre. Perrier’s directing is confident and sumptuous, drawing out the beauty of every space occupied as well as the divine qualities of her lead actress, Union. Unlike some romantic-coms on the platform, The Perfect Find has our character existing in spaces that are neither hollow nor underdesigned. Perrier, production designer Sally Levi, art director Elizabeth Moore, set decorator Amber Thrane, and costume designer Amit Gajwani create a vibrant and lived-in world for Jenna’s story to unfold.
As I was watching the film, I was struck by a realization: in a pivotal scene that builds Jenna and Eric’s chemistry and connection, they discuss Nina Mae McKinney, a Black film star dubbed the “Black Garbo.” Both as a genuine remark and a form of filtration, Eric states that Jenna’s appearance favours McKinney. This had me thinking about Gabrielle Union’s career and her impact on film history. Sure, she has not headlined the biggest films in the world, nor has she won the major accolades that society deems to be the pinnacle of acting excellence. Yet, Union is a goddamn star; she is electric on screen and always delivers no matter what role she embodies. We have come to a point where we don’t need to dub anyone the “Black [insert white person’s name],” though it was never needed to begin with. But I was struck by the thought that there is no one else like Union; her energy, mannerism, and whole demeanour are entirely her own and cannot be replicated. She is as effortlessly beautiful as she is funny and dramatic, and Jenna Jones is one of those roles that fully makes use of her innate gifts which is mesmerizing to watch.
As for the rest of the cast, we have a fun ensemble supporting cast with Aisha Hinds and La La Anthony injecting a number of humorous jokes and livening up Jenna’s interior world. Ts Madison makes for a hilarious cameo and Remy Ma shows up to show out!
Gina Torres is a standout as one of the three leads. Not only is she all caps FABULOUS, her costuming, hair and makeup are particularly notable. She plays just as dynamic a role as Union and Powers. Darcy is sometimes petty and outlandish, a delightful blend of Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly and Vanessa Williams’ Wilhelmina Slater; however, Torres infuses Darcy with a great sense of elegance, sharp wit, and gravitas. In the third act, in particular, Torres nails a complete 180, with Darcy becoming a far more crucial and compelling element to the story.
As for Powers, he is just right as the charming, laid-back Eric. He has excellent chemistry with Union and complements her in all the right ways. He, too, is tasked with a role that shifts as the narrative unfolds, and he sticks the landing at every unexpected turn. He and Union are electric as their characters undergo a life changing romance, that is equal parts sweet and sexy. Jenna expresses her desire to have a romance be so palpable, that it is almost obscene, and Powers and Union capture that perfectly with their performances. (Maybe, don’t let the kids watch.)
The visual language and the performances are all hitting, but one notable win in The Perfect Find is its music. Amanda Delores Patricia Jones’s score is enchanting, romantic, and engaging. Modern romantic comedies have a penchant for current radio hits, instantly dating the work, but thankfully The Perfect Find is pulled together beautifully with a score that is reminiscent of the music from classic Hollywood’s romances paired with a few contemporary hits. Thematically, the music fits nicely with Jenna’s personality as she is adorned with vintage fashion and a timeless bob. She also expresses her love for nostalgia and makes that a centrepiece for her project at Darzine. Jones’s music teases that right off the bat and keeps pulling us back to that theme without ever feeling overdone or obvious.
The Perfect Find is a gem, a diamond in the rough, if you will. Perrier’s exquisite tastes are on full display as it is an expressive ode to Black cinema and classic Black rom-com. From the art direction, story, performances, and music, every department of this production pulled together an instant classic. Union has reached a new high in this romantic comedy, as The Perfect Find emphasizes her star power as well as that of her co-stars Torres and Powers. From beginning to end, The Perfect Find will have you giddy, laughing out loud, swooning and charmed.
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