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Introduction
Imagine boarding a flight bound for Paris, France, only to be set down in Paris, Texas. Surreal? Delightfully absurd? That is the quirky romp of The Wrong Paris, arriving on Netflix on September 12, 2025. Directed by Janeen Damian and starring Miranda Cosgrove and Pierson Fodé, this romantic comedy takes its cues from reality dating shows—but twists expectations into charming chaos. It is a film that unfolds like a fairy‑tale misstep, where plans go awry, hearts follow unexpected paths, and the absurd becomes unexpectedly enchanting.
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Plot Overview – A Mix‑Up with Heart (Spoiler‑Free)
Meet Dawn (Miranda Cosgrove), a struggling artist from a small Texas town who dreams of studying art in Paris, France. With no way to afford the trip, she signs up for a reality dating show called The Honeypot, thinking it guarantees her that very adventure. But instead of the famed City of Light, she arrives in Paris…Texas—a revelation orchestrated by producers who faked the long-haul flight to heighten drama. Now stranded in a prairie town and desperate to escape, Dawn resolves to get eliminated—until she meets Trey (Pierson Fodé), the charismatic bachelor, and everything changes.
This quirky premise sets the stage for an unlikely romance wrapped in heartfelt comedy and self-discovery. Dawn navigates the emotional fallout of being duped, illusions shattered, and new feelings sparked, all while balancing wit, charm, and a Texas sized scoop of humor.
What Worked Well – Charm, Chemistry, and Comedic Heart
1. Miranda Cosgrove Anchors with Warmth and Humour
Cosgrove shines in the role of Dawn: clever, self-aware, and disarmingly relatable. As both lead actor and executive producer, she brings authenticity and nuance to a character who begins with one goal and ends up with another that feels far more genuine. Her comedic timing paired with emotional sincerity makes Dawn’s journey feel both fun and meaningful.
2. Pierson Fodé Brings Heroic Charm
Paired with Cosmrove’s Daw, Fodé’s Trey is the kind of romantic lead who is cowboy-casual and unexpectedly heartfelt. Their chemistry feels warm and easy, lending the film a believable romantic spark that elevates the absurd premise into something charmed and tender.
3. A Whimsical Satire with Soul
What starts as a satire of reality TV quickly becomes a love letter to small towns, second chances, and unexpected love. The film navigates its comedy with emotional depth—ranging from physical gags to delicate moments of vulnerability. Cosgrove noted the project gave her a chance to play someone “not all about him,” offering both satire and self-discovery.
4. Visual and Tonal Coherence
Though filmed in British Columbia, the film successfully impersonates rural Texas—with wide-open backdrops, rustic charm, and quaint homesteads. The tone shifts from bright and comedic to reflective and romantic with ease, giving the narrative a cinematic swooniness without overblowing its comedy.
What Didn’t Work – A Few Rough Edges Beneath the Smiles
As buoyant as The Wrong Paris can be, its whimsical tone sometimes leans too predictable. The alienation-to-affection arc is familiar rom-com territory, and few twists feel genuinely surprising. Some supporting characters pop in and out without the development that might make the ensemble feel fully alive.
There’s also a thematic disconnect for Texans upset that the story set in Paris, Texas, was not filmed there—sparked by production taking place in British Columbia. This disconnect drew criticism, despite understandable budget and incentive concerns. Though not affecting the film’s emotional arc, it may affect regional authenticity perceptions for some viewers.
Final Verdict – A Delightfully Offbeat Romance
The Wrong Paris is not designed to reinvent the wheel—it’s here to charm, provoke giggles, and offer light-hearted escapism. It’s a rom-com that leans into its own absurdity, anchored by warm performances and genuine heart. The premise might be ridiculous, but the emotional payoff is sweet, and the chemistry between Cosgrove and Fodé gives the comedy real resonance.
This is the perfect film for fans of romantic misadventures, lovers of satire, or anyone who believes the right connection can arrive where you least expect it—Paris or not.
Rating: 8 out of 10
Meta Information
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
- Language: English
- Release Date: September 12, 2025
