Prime Video's "The Love Hypothesis" is a romantic comedy adapting Ali Hazelwood's New York Times bestselling novel, which itself originated as Star Wars fanfiction. The film is part of the current rom-com renaissance and represents an unusual case study in how fan-created content can become mainstream entertainment. Despite a somewhat rushed third act, the film succeeds as a thoroughly entertaining romantic comedy that showcases compelling lead performances.

The plot follows PhD student Olive Smith, who invents a boyfriend to convince her friend she has no romantic interest in a fellow student, but impulsively kisses her stern professor Dr. Carlsen instead. They agree to continue the fake relationship for mutually beneficial reasons—Olive needs to misdirect her friend, whilst Carlsen requires evidence of commitment to secure a university lab grant. As they navigate increasingly elaborate scenarios to maintain their charade, genuine feelings develop between them. The film is anchored by Lili Reinhart's charming and comedically well-timed performance opposite Tom Bateman's surprisingly nuanced portrayal of the seemingly cold academic.