Last weekend, I screened ELECTRIC LOVE, a new romantic comedy about hooking up in the digital age. The film follows several singles and couples in Los Angeles and their use of modern dating apps like Tinder and Grindr to meet Mr. or Miss right (right now).
The comedy stars Mia Serafino (Crowded, Zeroville) and Zachary Mooren (Who Will Write Our History, Aquarius) with supporting leads Kyle Howard (Orange County, My Boys), Matt Bush (Adventureland, The Goldbergs), and Erik Griffin (Workaholics, I’m Dying Up Here).
Emma (Serafino) and Adam (Mooren) fall quickly into a passionate relationship after meeting on an app, while dismissing several red flags along the way. Their dating experience is used as a center point, while the story also focuses on the dating/love journeys of their immediate friends.
Considering I did not experience the use of dating apps like Tinder, Bumble and Grinder during my late 20’s and 30’s, Electric Love presents an interesting take on what dating can be like for those who use these modern techniques. What I can easily relate to are the comedic takes on dates going bad – like Emma’s unfortunate date with the actor who “sells weed” at a bar where half-cooked food is served! Or the guy who talks about his ex during the first date. 😛
I think there is really unfortunate placement of a joke one character, who happens to be an actor, makes about Asian dialects/pronunciations and anyone who attempts that isn’t Asian sounding racist. In my opinion as a woman of color, even with a diverse cast and in 2019, this joke falls flat and isn’t funny – considering we still have a long way to go before true diversity, inclusive of the Asian community, is depicted on film. And historically, our Asian brothers and sisters have been poorly represented and treated as the comic relief in Western film. I would counter the joke made by saying there’s no way to tell it without sounding racist.
With that said, I believe the film’s overall theme of personal communication being the key to finding love, even in a digital age, is spot on and something people of any age/generation can relate. I would give the film 2 and 1/2 beats on the MMTrometer.
ELECTRIC LOVE is out now on video on demand platforms, DVD, and Blu-rayTM nationwide.
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