The Seven Year Hitch

The Seven Year Hitch is a charming, comedy-drama movie from 2012 that skillfully combines humor, romance, and friendship. The film stars Natalie Hall, Darin Brooks, and Frances Fisher. Its heartwarming plot revolves around best friends Jennifer (Natalie Hall) and Kevin (Darin Brooks) who, despite different life paths, manage to keep their friendship alive over the years. This Hallmark channel favorite surprises with relatable characters, witty dialogues, and strong emotional undertones that add depth to its seemingly light-hearted script.

Natalie Hall shines as Jennifer, a young and ambitious woman determined to scale the ladder of success in her advertising career. She's independent, caring, and appreciates the constants in her life, one of which is her best friend Kevin, played by Darin Brooks. Kevin, on the other hand, veers on the path less trodden, preferring the satisfaction of simple, uncluttered living to a high-flying career. Despite being diametrically opposite in their views of success and ambitions, they share an enviably comfortable rapport, often relying on each other to navigate through life's ups and downs.

The comfortable predictability of Jennifer's life takes an unprecedented turn when she meets the suave and seemingly perfect Bryce, played by Ryan Doom. Swathed in charm and sophistication, Bryce sweeps Jennifer off her feet, but this new relationship doesn’t sit well with Kevin, who has his own suspicions about Bryce's intentions. Kevin's concern for Jennifer is complicated by his evolving feelings towards her, a realization that begins to affect their longstanding friendship.

Frances Fisher terrifically essays the role of Mrs. Von Hoffman, their neighbor, who unwittingly becomes the catalyst to significant developments in Jennifer and Kevin's lives. The dynamics between these main characters, a mix of emotional intensity and lighthearted humor, are sure to keep viewers captivated throughout the movie.

The Seven-Year Hitch smartly uses the premise of the "seven-year hitch" law, adding an interesting twist to the plot. This law states that if a couple lives together for seven consecutive years, they are considered legally married in the eyes of the law. The movie uses this concept to throw the protagonists into a quirky situation, amplifying the confusion, hilarity, and anxiety that takes hold of Jennifer and Kevin's lives as a result of it. The resultant situations and how the characters handle them form the crux of the film.

The film is brilliantly directed by Bradford May, who manages to balance the humor and drama in equal measure. The screenplay by Gregg Rossen and Brian Sawyer brings out the depth and complexities in the lives of everyday people with refreshing honesty.

The Seven Year Hitch explores themes of friendship, love, trust, and personal growth, portrayed through the journey of Jennifer and Kevin. The film also subtly highlights the importance of listening to one's instincts when it comes to matters of the heart, and the inevitability of change in relationships over time.

The spark between Natalie Hall and Darin Brooks makes their on-screen friendship believable and engaging. Despite being best friends, their journey towards recognizing and accepting their love for each other adds a sweet, romantic touch to the film. Ryan Doom's portrayal of Bryce provides an excellent contrast, adding a tinge of suspense and intrigue.

The film's climax cleverly wraps up the storyline, leaving viewers with a warm, fuzzy feeling. It's packed with surprises that keep you guessing until the very end.

The Seven Year Hitch is a perfect blend of humor, romance, and drama. It's a heartfelt tale about friendship, unspoken feelings, and the unexpected turns life can throw at us. With a stellar cast, engaging plot, and relatable themes, it's a film that will definitely leave you smiling and perhaps, make you look at friendships with a new perspective.