Definitely, Maybe
★★★
It had been a while since I watched Definitely, Maybe, and revisiting it reminded me just how much this film leans more into romantic drama than romantic comedy. I remember really liking it the first time around—probably swept up in its clever premise and charming performances. Watching it again, though, I realized that the mystery at the heart of the film—who is the real mother of Maya’s (Abigail Breslin) character—is doing most of the heavy lifting.
That structure, of Ryan Reynolds as a dad telling his daughter the “How I Met Your Mother”-style story of his romantic past, still works in its own quiet way. It’s sweet, grounded and honestly reminded me of how I might tell my own daughters about how I met their mom. But just like my own version of that story, it’s probably more interesting to me than it would be to anyone else. And that’s kind of how the movie plays too—charming, personal and a little meandering.
The rewatch made me realize that not a whole lot happens in the traditional plot sense. It’s more about vibes, tone and a sense of nostalgic curiosity. What still holds up, though, are the performances. Ryan Reynolds brings his usual likability, and the supporting cast is filled with actresses I’ve always enjoyed—Isla Fisher, Elizabeth Banks and Rachel Weisz each bring something a little different to the table. Their chemistry with Reynolds gives the film its heart.
Definitely, Maybe tries to toe the line between a big-budget rom-com and an indie dramedy, and it kind of lands in the middle—not a knockout, but not a miss either. It’s the kind of film that feels like a pleasant surprise when you stumble on it while scrolling through streaming options. It won’t change your world, but it’s a solid rewatch, especially if you’re a fan of the genre and somehow missed it the first time around.
