The Hallmark Channel hopes to make you feel the love this Valentine’s season with their latest original rom-com, The Way To You. Set in New York City, this movie stars Kim Matula and Aaron O’Connell as an artsy girl and a finance guy whose missed connections on the subway unexpectedly lead them to each other. With a committed cast, tight script, and engaging storyline, this Hallmark movie just might need to be the next addition to your streaming queue. Keep reading for our full review!
The Gist: In New York City, millions of people ride the subway, but on one fateful day, both gallerist Emma (Kim Matula) and investment banker Conrad (Aaron O’Connell) happen to be on the same rail line… only to have meet-cutes with other people. During a stoppage and subsequent brief blackout on the train, Conrad bonds with a brunette woman discussing art and books, while Emma bonds with a blonde guy over similar subjects. Neither got their conversation partner’s name before parting ways, but hopeless romantic Conrad believes in kismet enough to put a notice out in the Free City Express’s Missed Connections section on recommendation from his colleague, Lance (Ryan Mah). Emma, meanwhile, tells her sister Hazel (Sarah Luby) that while she had a nice chat with a man on the train, she won’t actively pursue it. Instead, she just wants to be more intentional with her love life, rather than falling into passionate yet unreliable romances with fellow artsy types.
Even so, when Emma overhears talk of the Missed Connections ad searching for a cute brunette on the Bronx-bound 6 train, she reaches out, thinking that between the description and the same topics discussed, this really could be about her. While Emma and Conrad immediately see upon their first official meeting that this isn’t the Missed Connection they were each searching for, this could still be the start of something special. Emma offers to help Conrad search for his mystery woman after hearing that she might also have connections to the NYC art world, and Conrad offers to pay her back by setting Emma up with one of his friends in finance. As they spend more time together, they start to help each other change and grow, as Emma awakens in Conrad a newfound genuine interest in art, and Conrad literally awakens Emma for early morning runs in the park.
It’s on one of these runs that Conrad bumps into his coworker, Aaron (Jacob Blair), whom he subsequently sets up with Emma. Emma and Aaron might not share the same easy banter that she does with Conrad, but she’s willing to give him a chance when Conrad seems to move forward in the search for his Missed Connection, who turns out to be an architect named Simone (Chelsea Brown). With new flames added into the mix, Emma and Conrad struggle between their growing attraction towards one another and chasing their idealized images of the “perfect” partner. At the same time, Emma is in an additional state of uncertainty as her roommates and close loved ones, Hazel and Hazel’s husband, Sid (Eugene Baffoe), prepare to move to a rent-stabilized apartment in another borough, leaving her alone and at a crossroads about what to do next. Does Emma’s future have Conrad in it, or is all of this just the universe telling her to go her own way?
What Movies Will It Remind You Of? The Way To You may remind you of other big city-set romantic comedies where the leads go from strangers to friends to lovers, like When Harry Met Sally, Set It Up, and Holidate.
Performance Worth Watching: From the jump, Kim Matula is extremely likable and charming as Emma. Her performance feels layered and grounded in a way that makes it easy to connect with and root for her character throughout the entire movie.
Memorable Dialogue: This sisterly exchange between Emma and Hazel:
“He’s smart, good-looking, stable, funny… occasionally. What more could I ask for?”
“Wait, are you talking about Aaron or Conrad?”
Honorable mention for this Aaron quote that exemplifies his utter lack of whimsy (especially compared to Emma): “I don’t get it. Why is there a giant rodent clock in here? Is this art?”
Sex And Skin: None.
Our Take: The Way To You is an enjoyable rom-com that’s bolstered by strong, lived-in performances, good pacing, and a simple yet satisfying storyline. Kim Matula and Aaron O’Connell truly lead the way with their engaging banter and chemistry as Emma and Conrad, culminating in a budding relationship that you can’t help but become invested in. Matula also has terrific chemistry with Sarah Luby, making for a sweet and believable sisterly bond that pops every time they’re onscreen together.
While there’s a lot to love about New York City-based rom-coms, sometimes those types of movies can fall into a trap of having too much going on, making them more style and city than substance. Luckily, that’s not an issue with The Way To You, which sticks to a fairly simple yet effective plot that feels very classic rom-com in a way that still fits well in our modern world. I think that what especially makes this movie worth watching is the care that went into making most of these characters feel truly multi-dimensional and human, from leads like Emma to supporting characters like Sid, culminating in a pleasant tale that immediately draws you in and keeps you entertained from start to finish.
Our Call: The Way To You is a breezy, charming, and engaging romantic comedy that is sure to serve up some easy viewing and laughs this Valentine’s season. STREAM IT!
How To Watch The Way To You
The only way to watch Hallmark Channel live without cable is by using a live TV streaming service. We recommend DIRECTV, which comes with a five-day free trial before payment begins.
DIRECTV offers a number of flexible subscription options, including Genre Packs, so you can best choose which streaming plans fit your needs and budget. Plans start at $49.99/month.
Maddy Casale is a Chicago-based writer and comedian who covers everything from animated series to Hallmark movies. Follow her on Duolingo @MCasale.
