Just Sex, Nothing Personal is an old-school rom-com. In terms of its plot and overall tone, the movie recalls 1980s gems such as Better Off Dead and Can’t Buy Me Love. It also has shades of rom-com from the early aughts like 40 Days and 40 Nights. Just Sex, Nothing Personal generally covers all of the “loser-gets-hot-girl” tropes in a witty and funny manner, but more importantly, it provides us with two enormously appealing leads.
It is almost painful to witness everyone around Serhii, reinforcing his self-deprecation and delighting in his degradation. With her soft sexiness and earthiness, Diana is exactly what Serhii needs in his life since up until this point, it has been filled with nothing but horrible women. Conversely, Diana craves the stability and sure-headedness that Serhii brings to the table. When they (if you have ever seen a romantic comedy, this is not a spoiler) finally give in and furiously make out after a playful shower nozzle fight (does it get any sexier?), it feels as much of a catharsis for the audience as it does for the characters.
“…just the elixir we need to put a much-needed smile on our collective faces.”
Lutskyi and Nikolaeva share obvious and tender chemistry. Nikolaeva radiates a tremendous star quality, and as Serhii, Lutskyi has an adorably dorky quality that makes you fall in love with him almost immediately. It is almost painful to witness everyone around Serhii, reinforcing his self-deprecation and delighting in his degradation. With her soft sexiness and earthiness, Diana is exactly what Serhii needs in his life since up until this point, it has been filled with nothing but horrible women. Conversely, Diana craves the stability and sure-headedness that Serhii brings to the table.
Just Sex, Nothing Personal isn’t a perfect movie, however. Like most romantic comedies, there is a heavy level of contrivance needed to advance the plot. Plus, there is a lengthy and strange midsection involving S&M that feels out of place. But for the most part, this movie is so amiable and endearing that it feels almost traitorous to point out its shortcomings.
The best romances instill in the audience the warm and fuzzy feeling that true love will conquer all, and everything will be right with the world. In present times when we need it the most, Just Sex, Nothing Personal gifts us that glorious feeling, if only for 90 minutes. I’ll take it!
"…true love will conquer all, and everything will be right with the world."
