Title: In Spite of Ourselves
MPA Rating: Not Yet Rated
Director: Josh Loeb
Starring: Conor Leslie, Brett Dier, Glenn Morshower
Runtime: 1 hr 40 mins

What It Is: Hannah (Leslie) is a talented baker, and Archie (Dier) is a talented stand-up comedian. Both are hitting their stride professionally, but personally, they’re going through something. Hannah is experiencing hearing loss, while Archie is struggling with his mental health. When these two meet, they find themselves in a similar place. They hit it off and begin a subtle romance that keeps drawing them back to each other. Through it all, it’s one another who truly helps them grow.

What We Think: What a gorgeous film. The chemistry between Leslie and Dier feels real—because it is real. In fact, their connection became so genuine that the two are now married, a story I learned during my interview with director Josh Loeb (link below). It’s this chemistry, alongside Loeb’s beautiful writing, that puts this film at the very top of the early list of 2026 movies.

The film also has one major advantage that always works for me: a killer soundtrack. Not only are the songs fantastic, but they’re perfectly placed. Much of the film relies on chemistry and writing, and as mentioned, both are excellent. The result is an absolute gem that makes you believe in the reality of love in the modern age.

Our Grade: A-, Loeb has done a fantastic job here, and I’m only sorry it took him so long to make his first film. Let’s get to film number two, man—if it’s anything like this one, the cinematic world will be a better place. Whenever this inevitably comes out, I highly recommend checking it out. It’s a real treat. Also, congrats to Conor Leslie and Brett Dier on the nuptials. I think that’s so cool.