Nicola Walker carries a Hulu romantic comedy that doesn't quite justify its own concept. "Alice and Steve" teams the British actress with "Flight of the Conchords" alum Jemaine Clement in what the network positions as a "wrong-com," a darker take on the conventional rom-com formula.
Walker plays Alice, a woman who falls for Steve, played by Clement, in circumstances designed to subvert traditional romance expectations. The setup promises acidic humor and emotional complexity, but the execution falters. The film struggles to sustain its darkly funny premise across its runtime, devolving into something closer to a conventional romantic narrative than the genre-bending story it advertises.
Walker's performance stands out as the film's strongest asset. She brings genuine depth and charisma to Alice, anchoring the material with the kind of nuanced character work audiences expect from an actress of her caliber. Known for her transformative roles in "Unforgotten" and "Last Tango in Halifax," Walker elevates every scene she inhabits.
Clement brings his typical deadpan sensibility to Steve, but the script doesn't provide either actor with the sharp dialogue or character arcs necessary to make their dynamic sing. The chemistry between them registers as pleasant rather than compelling, which becomes a problem when the film's central appeal hinges on their relationship feeling fresh or subversive.
Hulu's original film slate has produced genuine hits, but "Alice and Steve" lands among its more forgettable offerings. The premise suggested something with bite, something willing to interrogate romance genre conventions rather than simply tweak them. Instead, the film plays it safer than its own marketing implies, settling for competent but uninspired storytelling.
Walker's talent shines through regardless, reminding viewers what genuine acting looks like even when the material doesn't match her commitment. For