‘One Hit Wonder’ (2025) Netflix Movie Review - A Sweet Serenade with Just a Few Sour Notes

When I pressed play on One Hit Wonder, I didn’t expect to be swept into a world that feels equal parts earnest love letter to music and slightly clumsy teenage diary entry. Netflix’s 2025 Filipino romance film is pitched as a story about chasing dreams, revisiting regrets, and maybe finding something as important as success along the way. It stars Sue Ramirez as Lorina, a once-hopeful singer who famously froze up during a televised singing contest in 1984 and never recovered from the embarrassment. Since then, she has lived quietly, shelving away her passion while working at a record store, still haunted by the possibility of what could have been. Opposite her is Khalil Ramos as Entoy, a man who’s been obsessed with Lorina’s voice since he was young, going so far as to sketch portraits of her and cling to her single failed attempt at stardom as if it were a precious relic. Entoy plays in a band looking for a break, and when fate finally puts Lorina in his path, he sees her as not only the woman of his dreams but also the voice that can push his group into the limelight.

The film’s foundation rests on this meeting of two dreamers, one burned by failure and the other convinced that success is only a song away. The setup is simple, but it works. Their partnership takes shape gradually, with Entoy urging Lorina to pick up the microphone again and Lorina resisting, fearful of another stumble. The predictable but still enjoyable arc is clear: reluctant collaboration, blossoming connection, a few clumsy fights, and then, of course, the inevitable comeback and emotional resolution. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does at least keep it spinning.

What I appreciated most about One Hit Wonder was its commitment to music as more than just background decoration. The soundtrack leans into retro-inspired sounds, giving the film a throwback texture that suits its story of second chances and revisiting past dreams. The performances are delivered earnestly, with Ramirez in particular selling Lorina’s hesitancy and eventual rediscovery of her passion. Ramos, meanwhile, brings an endearing sincerity to Entoy, even if his character occasionally crosses into territory that feels more like an obsessive fan than a supportive partner. Their chemistry is not explosive, but it is believable, the kind that grows on you slowly, like watching two people find comfort in each other’s quirks rather than being swept up in fiery passion.

The film also has a playful visual language that keeps things light. Occasionally, little hearts or musical flourishes appear onscreen, winking at the audience in a way that is silly but not unbearable. It’s a reminder that this movie doesn’t want to be taken too seriously, and when it leans into that mood, it is at its most enjoyable. There’s also something refreshing about watching a romance film that isn’t afraid of being a little corny. It knows it’s cheesy and doesn’t apologize for it.

Still, as much as I enjoyed about seventy percent of what the film had to offer, there’s no denying that the remaining thirty percent left me rolling my eyes or at least wishing for a bit more daring. For one, the story is painfully predictable. From the moment Lorina and Entoy meet, it’s obvious where they’re heading, and the screenplay rarely even tries to disguise its beats. Every setback feels like a temporary hiccup, every emotional blowup like a scheduled commercial break. The stakes never really land. If Lorina refuses to sing, she still has her quiet life at the record shop. If Entoy doesn’t get his band off the ground, he’ll still sketch his idol and hum his tunes. There is no sense that failure would cost them anything meaningful, which drains much of the tension the movie keeps trying to manufacture.

The romance, too, sometimes feels forced. While the actors do their best, some of the flirtatious banter is stilted, and a handful of supposedly swoon-worthy moments land with a thud. The script leans heavily on dialogue that tells us these two belong together without fully showing us why. Their shared love for music is meant to be the glue, but it occasionally feels like a shortcut rather than a foundation.

And then there is the issue of forgettability. For a film centered on music and stardom, One Hit Wonder doesn’t quite leave behind a tune you’ll be humming later. The songs are pleasant but not especially memorable, the romance is cute but not iconic, and the film’s biggest twists are the kind you see coming from the first frame. It’s the sort of movie you watch with a smile, maybe chuckle at the awkwardness, but then realize the next morning you’re already struggling to recall specific details. Some critics have already called it a “one-hit wonder” in its own right, a phrase that feels unfairly harsh but not entirely wrong.

Still, I don’t want to undersell the charm that is here. The film doesn’t aim for greatness, it aims for comfort, and it succeeds on those terms. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t mind being background company while you sip your coffee or scroll through your phone. When it does catch your attention, it’s usually because of a sweet moment between the leads or a musical sequence that nudges nostalgia just enough to make you grin. It doesn’t require heavy investment, and sometimes that’s exactly the point of this type of Netflix romance.

In the end, One Hit Wonder is exactly what it says on the tin: a fleeting, catchy little story that plays once and makes you smile, even if you’re not rushing to add it to your permanent playlist. It’s a film that thrives on charm, light humor, and just enough music to carry you through. If you’re in the mood for something lighthearted, sentimental, and unabashedly romantic, it’s worth watching. Just don’t expect it to be the song stuck in your head long after the credits roll.

Final Score- [6.5/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times