The Hating Game


The Hating Game is a 2021 American romantic comedy film directed by Peter Hutchings. It is based on the novel of the same name by Sally Thorne, and stars Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell in the lead roles.
The film was released in theaters and video on demand on December 10, 2021, by Vertical Entertainment. It received generally positive reviews from critics.

Plot

Lucy and Josh are forced to work together after their respective publishing companies are merged. Complete opposites in every way possible, they despise each other. Their rivalry comes to a head when they go face-to-face for the same promotion. Realizing neither wants to work under the other, they make a bet: whoever does not get the job has to quit.
However, both become increasingly attracted to each other and share a passionate kiss in the elevator before Lucy goes on a date with their co-worker Danny. At a company paintball event a few days later, Lucy collapses due to a fever and is brought home by Josh, who has her checked by his brother Pat, a physician.
Lucy overhears that Josh needs a plus one for his brother‘s wedding and offers to accompany him to pay him back. After they kiss again, Josh asks her to sort out things with Danny first, as he does not want to be just a fling for her.
Later that evening, after Lucy has confirmed she does not have chemistry with Danny, Lucy shows up at Josh's apartment. Josh invites her in, and reveals that he has a strained relationship with his father because he dropped out of med school, while his brother was always the favorite. They become closer, but Josh refuses to have sex with Lucy, angering her.
Arriving at the inn for his brother‘s wedding weekend, Josh and Lucy discover the reservation was botched, so they have to share a room. After showering, the two finally have sex.
Lucy finds out from Pat's bride Mindy that she is Josh's ex-girlfriend, she is initially upset with Josh until he explains to her that he is over her. After witnessing Josh's father belittle him, she stands up for him, impressing Josh. Back at home, Josh offers to start a real relationship with Lucy and forget about their bet.
The next day, Lucy overhears and misinterprets a conversation between Josh and their boss, concluding that Josh has been using their romance to distract her from the promotion. Enraged, she vows to beat Josh for the job. On the day of the promotion competition, Lucy gets the job as it turns out Josh had already quit to join another company. The two kiss and become a couple.

Cast

Production

The film was announced in May 2019, with Lucy Hale and Robbie Amell cast as the lead roles. On November 10, 2020, Austin Stowell was cast, as Amell dropped out due to a scheduling conflict. Filming began on November 21 in upstate New York, in Saugerties, NY during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a couple of days of filming in New York City, and concluded on December 23.

Release

In July 2021, Vertical Entertainment acquired distribution rights to the film.

Reception

The Hating Game had a limited theatrical release on December 10, 2021. It was also available to stream on various VOD platforms. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported in late February 2022 that 71% out of 21 professional critics gave the film a positive review, with a rating average of 6.60/10. Multiple articles praised the chemistry of the two leads.