Kissing Jessica Stein
Kissing Jessica Stein

Movie spotlight

Kissing Jessica Stein

2002
Movie
97 min
English

Jessica, a Jewish copy editor living and working in New York City, is plagued by failed blind dates with men, and decides to answer a newspaper's personal advertisement. The advertisement has been placed by 'lesbian-curious' Helen Cooper, a thirtysomething art gallerist.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic63/100
Google Users76%
Director: Charles Herman-WurmfeldGenres: Comedy, Romance

Plot Summary

Jessica Stein, a single, straight copy editor in New York City, finds herself contemplating her romantic life after a string of unfulfilling dates. On a whim, she responds to a personal ad placed by Helen Cooper, a bisexual artist seeking a relationship. What begins as an experiment for Jessica to explore a potential connection with a woman unexpectedly blossoms into a genuine romance, forcing both women to confront their own identities and societal expectations.

Critical Reception

Kissing Jessica Stein was widely praised for its witty dialogue, charming performances, and honest portrayal of a developing lesbian relationship. Critics found the film to be a refreshing and humorous take on modern romance, particularly for its appeal to a broad audience beyond the LGBTQ+ community.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its smart, funny, and relatable dialogue.

  • Applauded for the chemistry and performances of its lead actresses.

  • Seen as a charming and accessible romantic comedy with a unique premise.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's humor, genuine emotional core, and the believable dynamic between the two leads. Many appreciated its lighthearted approach to exploring same-sex relationships and found it to be an enjoyable and feel-good movie.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Feature Film at the GLAAD Media Awards and won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The personal ad that brings Jessica and Helen together was inspired by a real personal ad that director Charles Herman-Wurmfeld's sister placed.

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