‘Love Virtually’ Review – Sparks Do Not Fly In The Virtual Age

As the song goes, “Love is a battlefield,” or in the case of the movie Love Virtually, it is a virtual hellscape. In a world where the metaverse essentially replaces human contact, four couples set out to see if ‘true love’ conquers all. Love Virtually is a bold premise that augments the challenges humanity is facing in the real world as AI and virtual reality become more prominent. A movie that tries to ask big questions about love in the virtual age spends too much time satirizing the current reality while shoehorning four competing yet overarching stories of finding ‘true love.’ A few compelling threads pull on, but despite its virtual premise, the film has a connection problem that prevents it from genuinely uploading.

Early in the movie, an AI chatbot declares it is the perfect steward for romantic connections. “If anyone understands human connection, it’s me, a computer.” A funny irony here is that earlier movies have addressed the digital age. Think Her, where Joaquin Phoenix’s character falls in love with the equivalent of Siri, or in Ready Player One, where the planet is essentially unlivable, and people live in a virtual state of existence. These story threads find a way into Love Virtually but never reach the level of intimacy found in either film. The lack of a central narrative keeps the story from ever gaining much momentum. It also offers little commentary on how society is spiraling toward a virtual reality.

The main story involves an introverted gamer named Roddy (Peter Gilroy) who seeks to win back the girl of his dreams. In the Metaverse, Roddy met and fell in love with Kimberly (Paige Mobley). There are hues from Her and Ready Player One, but the movie never rises to those narrative levels. The narrative leans into the cliche, losing the story in the dark web.

In addition, another storyline involves two cheating therapists whom characters in the film see as patients. The irony is the therapists, who are spouses, are unknowingly having a virtual affair – with each other. This storyline is by far the film’s funniest, in addition to being its most robust component.

In one exchange, Dr. Evelyn (Cheri Oteri) excuses herself from dinner to do laundry. Her ‘laundry’ excursions cover her virtual flings with her digital boyfriend, her husband, Dr. Divine (Stephen Tobolowsky). When Evelyn leaves for her digital booty call, her husband promptly shouts, “Laundry? Who is wearing all these damn clothes!” The laughs from the film arise in their brief interactions and dealing with their patients, who all deal with their own romance and personal woes. It is a shame their storyline receives little spotlight, as it could justify an entire movie.

On the plus side, though, Love Virtually does a superb hat-trick at blending digital animation with real-life actors. The scenes in the Metaverse are reminiscent of Ready Player One, and while this film lacks the former’s budget, it does deliver some of the movie’s best moments. Anyone who has spent any time using virtual reality will appreciate the graphics and unique split screens.

Overall, this film is a promising idea that never reaches its potential. Many may find the humor cringy and the plot familiar. There is an interesting commentary on technology and virtual reality, but it is only a half-step. It is a shame it does not take itself as seriously as the premise. However, movies like Love Virtually should be commended for raising questions about the Metaverse and AI. The challenges and opportunities presented by the digital revolution are still unfolding. While this movie is played for laughs, an eerie sense of life imitating art exists, proving the adage that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.

Love Virtually is currently available on Digital and On Demand courtesy of Premiere Digital.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_JcE-Vtztk]