There’s a new number 1 movie on Netflix worldwide, according to FlixPatrol: Players, the romantic comedy starring Gina Rodriguez, Tom Ellis and Damon Wayans Jr. The film achieved the top spot with only a day on the platform, after arriving on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14th).
The movie is directed by Trish Sie, who recently helmed Prime Video’s “Sitting in Bar With Cake,” as well as other well-known titles such as “Step Up All In” and “Pitch Perfect 3.” Meanwhile, the script was written by Whit Anderson, who has also written for “Daredevil” and “Ozark.”
‘Players,’ which Netflix describes as a “com-rom” more than a rom-com, combines sports and dating in a heartfelt and (very funny) way. If you also want to dive into the charm of this film, learn more about the plot and the cast.
‘Players,’ the new rom-com from Netflix that triumphs on the platform
The movie follows Mack (Rodriguez), a sportswriter who, alongside his best friend Adam (Wayans Jr.) and her crew, has developed a game of “plays” that help them get countless one-night stands over the years. However, when she starts having feelings for seemingly perfect war correspondent Nick (Tom Ellis), she rethinks the game entirely.
While rom-coms usually focus on the main character and their love interest(s), “Players” focus on a whole group of friends with different personalities. Adam is thoughtful and supportive, Sam (Augustus Prew) is aloof but caring, Ryan (Joel Courtney) is Sam’s little brother, and Ashley (Liza Koshy) is the quirky and confident of the group.
In an interview with UPROXX, Rodriguez said that she thought it was “interesting” the reverse gender roles in the film, especially with her character: “It’s just a transition of journey where she’s like, ‘This was working for me and now, it’s not. Now I need help to try to change the way we’ve been going at this.’ She’s got her boys in her corner — they love her, believe in her, lean on her and she does them. I just felt like it was the formula I love but with a twist.”
What are the critics saying about ‘Players’?
Don’t let the 43% score on Rotten Tomatoes fool you, most critics have positive things to say about the film. While it’s true that the general consensus is that the film plays it safe, they also agree that this film is an upgrade for the rom-com genre (particularly on streaming, especially on Netflix).
“But if it’s both familiar and a little forgettable, ‘Players’ is fun to watch,” wrote Alissa Wilkinson for The New York Times, also praising the “sincerity” of its characters and connections. Meanwhile, The Guardian give it three stars out of five, saying that “it may trip on its gimmicks at times, but there’s enough lived experience beneath the rapid-fire quips to work.”
