Quietly empowering, it celebrates Jamaican culture, ambition, and love – and leave you smiling

Gabriel Ladbury Dos Sants reviews Love Offside, a Kimala Bennett Lab Studios production. 

Love Offside is a charming and light-hearted romantic drama written by Daneil Campbell that brings fresh energy to the romantic comedy genre. The film follows a determined young physical therapist in Jamaica played by Judi Johnson who, while chasing her dreams, ends up hiding her true identity from a famous rugby player she’s treating, played by Mike Merrill — a lie that becomes harder to protect as genuine feelings begin to surface.

What really stands out is the film’s tone: funny, sweet, and full of heart. It balances romance and ambition without ever feeling heavy, making it an easy, uplifting watch. Beyond the love story, Love Offside beautifully showcases Jamaica in a way we don’t often see on-screen. Instead of leaning into tired stereotypes, the film highlights the island’s warmth, beauty, intelligence, and deep cultural roots — from herbal healing traditions to strong family values and a real sense of community. Having spent time there myself, it felt meaningful to see the country represented with such love, pride, and authenticity. 

I for one think it deserves its place on Netflix or any one of the leading streaming platforms, I hope we can see it there soon. Overall, Love Offside is fun, feel-good, and quietly empowering. It celebrates Jamaican culture, ambition, and love — and leaves you smiling. …