Directed by Linda Mendoza and written by a collective including Michael Elliot, Cory Tynan, Laura Lekkos, and Pastor Michael Todd, Relationship Goals (2026) arrived on Prime Video just in time for the Valentine’s Day season. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Franklin Entertainment, the film attempts to recapture the "glossy" aesthetic of the late-2000s romantic comedy era. It centers on Leah Caldwell, a high-achieving television producer who finds her professional world upended when her former flame is brought in to compete for her dream job.
The cast is a dream for those who grew up on 90s and 2000s R&B and hip-hop. Kelly Rowland stars as Leah, while Clifford “Method Man” Smith plays her rival and ex-boyfriend, Jarrett Roy. The supporting ensemble includes comedy heavyweights like Robin Thede and Annie Gonzalez, with veteran actors Matt Walsh and Dennis Haysbert rounding out the office and home life of our protagonist. The premise relies on the classic "enemies-to-lovers" trope, flavored with a contemporary twist involving a viral relationship manual that the characters are forced to cover for their morning news program.
This film was released globally on February 4, 2026, positioning itself as the go-to "comfort watch" for the holiday of love. However, its existence is more than just a entertainment choice; it is a significant example of the growing trend of "branded content" films, specifically those emerging from the faith-based and self-help sectors. While it boasts high production values, the movie often feels like it belongs more to a marketing department than a creative studio.
Story and Screenplay: A Workplace Rivalry That Drowns in the Pedantic Waters of Self-Help Propaganda
The narrative kicks off with a familiar stakes-setting scenario: Leah Caldwell is on the verge of becoming the first female showrunner for the top morning program Better Day USA. Her retirement-bound boss, Dan, throws a wrench in the gears by introducing Jarrett Roy as an outside contender for the position. The twist? Leah and Jarrett have a messy romantic history defined by past infidelity and broken promises. This set-up is tried-and-true, but the screenplay quickly abandons the nuances of workplace politics to focus on the titular book, Relationship Goals by Pastor Michael Todd.
As the two rivals are tasked with producing a Valentine's Day segment on Todd’s teachings, the story structure begins to fracture. Instead of the characters growing through shared experiences or organic conflict, they mostly grow through reading chapters of a book. The screenplay frequently pauses the action to have characters quote homilies about "dating with intention" or "Instagram integrity." It feels less like a script and more like a series of dramatized bullet points from a sermon. This pedantic approach drains the tension out of the central rivalry because we know exactly where the characters are headed based on the "rules" set by the book they are carrying around.
One of the more jarring elements of the writing is the inclusion of metaphors that feel out of place in a modern romance. For example, the film leans into a specific analogy comparing people who date around to "chicken nuggets" that have been nibbled on at a party. It is a reductive, somewhat condescending take on modern dating that clashes with Leah’s established character as a powerful, independent executive. The script tries to have it both ways: celebrating Leah as a "boss babe" while simultaneously suggesting she needs to lower her standards and trust in a specific religious framework to find happiness. This thematic dissonance makes for a confusing and often frustrating viewing experience.
Acting and Characters: Charismatic Leads Anchored by a Script That Values Branding Over Character Depth
If there is a reason to sit through the runtime, it is the screen presence of Kelly Rowland. She plays Leah with a calm, grounded intelligence that makes the character’s professional drive feel real. Even when the dialogue becomes overly instructional, Rowland maintains a steady dignity. She manages to make Leah’s "relationship requirements" list—which includes everything from financial stability to well-groomed nose hair—seem like the quirks of a real person rather than just a plot device. It is a testament to her skill that she remains likable even as the movie forces her into increasingly subservient narrative positions.
Clifford “Method Man” Smith is equally engaging, though he is given less to do emotionally. As Jarrett, he leans into his natural "devil charm," playing the part of the repentant playboy with a wink and a smile. While it is a bit of a stretch to see a member of the Wu-Tang Clan in a Hallmark-adjacent production, Smith handles the transition with ease. However, the script does him no favors by making his "transformation" entirely dependent on the self-help book rather than any internal reckoning. We never truly see the work Jarrett put in to change; we are just told he read the book, and therefore, we should forgive his past cheating.
The supporting cast provides much-needed levity, though they are strictly limited to archetypal roles. Robin Thede and Annie Gonzalez are excellent as the "best friends," delivering snarky one-liners with the precision of seasoned comedians. Thede’s "Project Put a Ring on It" subplot is a highlight, even if its resolution is as predictable as the sunrise. Dennis Haysbert adds a touch of gravitas as Leah’s grieving father, providing the film’s only moments of genuine, unbranded emotion. Unfortunately, these talented performers are mostly there to react to the central book’s teachings, serving as a Greek chorus of "converts" rather than fully realized individuals.
Direction and Technical Aspects: Sleek Streaming Visuals and Questionable Logic in the Service of Global Branding
Linda Mendoza’s direction is incredibly fast-paced, which is both a blessing and a curse. The 93-minute runtime moves quickly, but it does so by glossing over significant plot points. One minute characters are at each other's throats, and the next, they are on a road trip to Oklahoma to visit a megachurch. The transition from a New York media rivalry to a Tulsa pilgrimage happens so abruptly it gives the viewer whiplash. The film captures the glossy, high-key lighting style of modern streaming content, making everything look expensive and "hallmark-clean," but it lacks a distinct visual personality.
The technical execution often ignores the reality of how television news actually works. The idea that two top-tier producers would have their entire careers decided by a single "puff piece" about a pastor is laughable even by rom-com standards. Furthermore, the film’s climax involves an empty bomb threat at an airport—a cliché that feels incredibly dated and legally questionable in a 2026 setting. It’s a "paint-by-numbers" finale that prioritizes the grand romantic gesture over any semblance of logic or character consistency.
Perhaps the most notable technical aspect is the blatant product placement. From label-to-camera shots of candy to the constant name-dropping of Amazon, the film never lets you forget who paid for it. The cinematography frequently lingers on the cover of the Relationship Goals book as if it were a holy relic. This "infomercial" aesthetic extends to the inclusion of the real-life Pastor Michael Todd, who plays himself. The direction treats his scenes with a reverence that borders on the hagiographic, turning the middle of the movie into a literal sermon that stalls the romantic momentum entirely.
Trailer Relationship Goals (2026)
Music and Atmosphere: A Nostalgic Millennial Soundtrack Fighting Against a Stiffly Directed Atmosphere
The soundtrack is arguably the most successful element of the production. Curated with a keen eye for millennial tastes, it features tracks from Victoria Monét, the Doobie Brothers, and Ciara. These musical choices create a "tractor beam" of nostalgia that keeps the audience engaged even when the plot flags. A mid-movie dance sequence where the female leads blow off steam is a genuine delight, recalling the better, less-commercialized romantic comedies of the early 2000s. It provides a brief glimpse of the fun, vibrant movie this could have been if it weren't so tied to its source material.
However, the music often has to work overtime to create an atmosphere that the direction fails to sustain. The mood shifts from a snappy workplace comedy to a somber religious drama without much warning. The "atmosphere of faith" feels forced rather than atmospheric, largely because it is introduced as a cure-all solution for every character's problems. While the final duet between Rowland and Smith, "Complicated," is a nice touch for the fans, it serves as a reminder that these two stars are musicians first. The audio experience is heavenly, but it highlights the "cinematic sins" of a script that feels manufactured rather than written.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What works well:
- Lead Charisma: Kelly Rowland and Method Man have a natural, relaxed chemistry that nearly saves the film from its own pedantic writing.
- Stellar Soundtrack: The music selection is a perfect hit of nostalgia for millennials and provides the film's few moments of unforced energy.
- Strong Supporting Cast: Robin Thede and Annie Gonzalez deliver quips and snappy one-liners that provide much-needed comedic relief.
- Breezy Pacing: Director Linda Mendoza keeps the story moving at a clip that prevents the viewer from dwelling too long on the logic gaps.
- Visual Polish: The film looks great, with high-end production values that capture a glossy, "modern New York" aesthetic.
What doesn't work:
- Blatant Commercialism: The film often stops being a narrative and becomes a feature-length ad for Michael Todd’s books and ministry.
- Questionable Messaging: The "chicken nugget" metaphor and the suggestion that women should lower their standards for cheating exes feel retrograde and insulting.
- Didactic Script: Too much of the dialogue is dedicated to explaining self-help philosophies rather than showing character growth through action.
- Lack of Tension: Because the ending is dictated by the "rules" of the book being promoted, there is zero suspense regarding the romantic outcome.
- Absurd Plot Devices: The airport bomb threat climax and the unrealistic portrayal of TV news require a massive suspension of disbelief.
Final Verdict: A Harmless Date Night Distraction for the Faithful but a Frustrating Watch for Cinephiles
Rating: 2/5 stars
Relationship Goals is a movie that lives or dies by your tolerance for "branded content." As a romantic comedy, it is entirely average, hitting every predictable beat with professional efficiency. As an infomercial, it is highly effective, likely to drive sales for the book it so shamelessly promotes. If you are looking for a light, streaming-ready watch that doesn't challenge you, there is enough surface-level charm here to fill an evening. Kelly Rowland and Method Man are simply too likable to be completely boring, and their chemistry manages to sparkle through the cracks of a stiff script.
This film is clearly aimed at a faith-based audience or those who are already fans of Pastor Michael Todd’s work. People who enjoyed films like Think Like a Man or He’s Just Not That Into You will find a familiar comfort in this throwback to the self-help adaptation era. It provides a safe, "comfy sweater" cinematic experience that reinforces traditional values while offering a few laughs and a great soundtrack. For those spending Valentine’s Day looking for a clean, optimistic message about second chances, this will be exactly what the pastor ordered.
However, if you are looking for sharp writing, intellectual depth, or a movie that doesn't treat you like a consumer, you are better off looking elsewhere. The "icky" feeling of being sold to is hard to shake, and the retrograde gender politics are likely to alienate many modern viewers. It is a movie that "Amazoned" its own soul, choosing the safety of a marketing plan over the risk of a real story. It’s watchable, occasionally warm, but ultimately as forgettable as a social media ad.
Recommendation: Fans of the lead actors should give it a stream for the nostalgia and the music, but those who prefer their romances without a side of proselytizing should stick to the classics.
 Movie Review: A Glossy Amazon Infomercial Masquerading as a Millennial Throwback Rom-Com){kind=link}
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