Starstruck (2021)

Clocking in right over two hours, Starstruck makes for a quick summer watch that leaves you wanting to linger in the escapist joy for a little longer. Just like a good rom-com should.

Starstruck offers that delightful viewing experience where you realise afterwards you’ve had a massive grin on your face the whole time.

Starstruck shows us that the kind of charm we’re craving from Hollywood doesn’t necessarily have to come in familiar modes, nor does it need to cleverly break every rule in the book.

That the show is able to weave these disparate story lines together as convincingly as it does is a testament to Matafeo's irresistible invitation to empathize with the bittersweet travails of her character without a hint of self-pity.

Ultimately, Starstruck is a romantic comedy that understands, respects, appreciates, and celebrates the genre, all while still carving out its own unique place in the category.

“Starstruck” is a charmer, despite it’s unlikelihoods and its conventional “Notting Hill”-esque moves. If you like rom-coms, and you must if you decide to watch, then you won’t mind following the somewhat predictable ups and downs of their relationship, which involve as many banter-filled flirtations as threatening rivals and misunderstandings.

It’s very watchable, whipping along in half-hour episodes. Matafeo honed her skills in stand-up (an Edinburgh Comedy Awards winner) and the writing is smart.

“Starstruck” is a breezy watch, thanks to Matafeo, both as a writer and a performer.

An immensely likable Britcom that landed on HBO Max earlier this month. Think Notting Hill meets a version of Fleabag that’s played almost entirely for laughs.