The world of modern dating is both complicated and gut-wrenching, especially for thirtysomethings searching for happiness in the cavernous confines of suburban Pittsburgh. I Swiped the Wrong One is a rom-com written and produced by Joe Fishel and directed by Laura Irene Young. Originally conceived as a film-within-a-film in Fishel’s previous feature, The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro, this story now takes center stage as its own feature-length comedy.
The story centers on four singles — Amanda (Rachel Pfennigwerth), Michael (Dustin Andrews), Ashley (Emily Moore), and Matthew (Nicholas Zarzeczny) — as they navigate the minefield of online dating. Amanda, fleeing Washington, D.C. after a career derailing sex scandal, retreats to her parents’ home in Pittsburgh. Michael, newly divorced, searches for what comes next. Ashley, exhausted by a parade of awful dates, is coaxed back onto a dating app by her friend Brittany (Jessica Buck). And Matthew, bored of video games and remote work, is pushed by his married friend Tyler (Ethan Lyvers) to finally put himself out there. The quartet (Amanda, Ashley, Michael and Matthew), who had never met before, comes together in a coincidental double-date scenario.
Fishel’s script offers a fun and uniquely offbeat spin on the chaos adults face while searching for romance amid the modern complexities of dating and relationships. While some elements do not always land as intended, the film’s execution occasionally shows room for improvement. Certain stretches suffer from uneven pacing, moments of stiff dialogue, and cinematography that feels more functional than inspired. A few scenes would also benefit from tighter editing.
Moore delivers a charming performance as Ashley, balancing her lighthearted flirtations with the playful dynamics of her close-knit circle of friends. She is a bright spot in the ensemble and a genuine breath of fresh air. There are moments where the film seems playfully aware of its own romantic comedy tropes, winking at the genre’s familiar pitfalls. At times, the film shifts between sentimental romantic comedy and quirky satire, which can leave the tone feeling slightly unsettled for audiences. The atmospheric sound design, sometimes add to the awkward tone for audiences as well.
Pfennigwerth brings a fun, delightful sarcastic energy to Amanda, who is still recovering from the fallout of her entanglement with a disgraced congressman. She’s given plenty of sharp, witty lines, and her relaxed delivery makes it easy for audiences to root for her romantic success. She winds up spending time with Michael and getting to know him in a surprising turn of events. Their chemistry feels sincere, but the road ahead is clearly more nuanced than a simple love at first sight scenario. Will living with her parents become a source of embarrassment, or will she finally find true love?
The supporting cast brings welcome energy. Amanda’s parents (Julia Silverman and Ron Lake) add warmth and humor, while Ashley’s confident friend Stephanie (Angela Katherine Baker) shines as a source of unsolicited but entertaining advice. There is also an amusing appearance from the slick owner of a dating service (Michael Z. Atrata), a memorable standout. Fans of Fishel’s previous projects will enjoy the clever in-world nods woven throughout, though newcomers may not catch every reference. The film strives for an elevated look at its characters and the world they inhabit, and even when it falls short of that full ambition, its charm and offbeat spirit still come through.
I Swiped the Wrong One may not fully rise to the promise of its premise, but its heart is always in the right place. The film’s uneven pacing and technical shortcomings are balanced by a likable cast, a handful of clever moments, and an earnest desire to capture the messy, hopeful absurdity of modern dating. For audiences willing to overlook its rough edges, the film offers a light, relatable romp through the highs and lows of swiping for love, proof that even when the match feels off, the journey can still be worth the ride.
