Club Benefits
Although we aren’t in February just yet, it already feels like the biggest streaming services are getting a head start on the season of love. Netflix has recently added five Hallmark movies to its library in the run-up to Valentine’s Day, giving viewers plenty of romantic options well before hearts officially take over the calendar.
One of those titles, “An Unexpected Valentine,” is clearly one of the first to grab attention. The romantic comedy has already cracked Netflix’s top 10 list, currently sitting in the No. 4 spot just behind “People We Meet on Vacation.” It’s a strong showing for a Hallmark flick, especially considering how quickly the movie has climbed the charts since landing on the platform on January 15.
Hallmark movies are known for being easy, comforting watches, with simple stories and plenty of feel-good moments. Whether you see them as pure entertainment or a guilty pleasure, their popularity speaks for itself. If you’re starting to build your Valentine’s watchlist early (or just want something cozy to put on after a long day), here’s everything to know about “An Unexpected Valentine.”
What is ‘An Unexpected Valentine’ about?
“An Unexpected Valentine” follows Hannah (Lacey Chabert), a busy product developer in New York City who has resigned herself to a quiet Valentine’s Day until she discovers an engagement ring tucked in the backseat of her rideshare car. The ring belongs to a couple planning a proposal later that evening, and determined to set things right, Hannah persuades the car’s driver, Finn, to help her track down its owner before it’s too late.
Finn (Robert Buckley), an artistic photographer supplementing his income with ride-sharing, agrees to the impromptu mission, and the two go on a journey across Manhattan. Through their adventure and shared urgency, an unexpected bond forms between them as they race against the clock to return the lost ring and save a special moment.
Should you stream ‘An Unexpected Valentine’ on Netflix?
Whether you stream “An Unexpected Valentine” depends on your taste in romance and cheesy Hallmark flicks, because this is very much that. The movie doesn’t try to be different, leaning into all the classic Hallmark beats: a meet‑cute, a fast-paced city adventure, fun obstacles in the way of the romantic leads, and a heartwarming resolution. If you enjoy predictable yet comforting storylines, it delivers exactly what you’d expect, with plenty of charming moments and relatable characters to keep you entertained throughout its 84-minute runtime.
Lacey Chabert is one of the most prolific and beloved actors in Hallmark Channel’s library, starring in over 30 Hallmark movies since her first in the mid-2000s, thanks in large part to her charm and approachable screen presence. Surprisingly, though, her chemistry with Buckley wasn’t quite as strong as I expected. Their conversation is charming, and it’s clear they genuinely enjoy each other’s company, but their connection feels more friendly than romantic. Much of the movie is spent laughing and joking together like old friends, which makes the eventual romance feel a bit underwhelming. But it’s a sweet journey nonetheless.
There aren’t many reviews online, but the ones I found suggest the movie has received mixed reactions. Fangirlish said: “The issue with An Unexpected Valentine is the movie’s writing. Some parts just fell flat when they were making every attempt to make them funny. Some parts were too exaggerated. We felt the attempt to make this a romantic comedy. It’s just the romance fell short and the comedy was meh.”
Rissi JC from Rissi Writes stated: “In the usual “copy and paste” scenario that I find myself writing anytime I review a Hallmark film, this one is again, cute. For anyone who enjoys romances or the films in this genre, then this is a gem.” These are takes I agree with, since the movie struggles to justify its comedy title, but that doesn't mean it's not enjoyable.
“An Unexpected Valentine” is the kind of movie that’s easy to put on after a long day, whether you’re watching alone, with friends, or as part of a cozy couple’s movie night. It’s pretty much exactly what you’d hope for in a Valentine’s-themed romantic comedy, just without the juicy drama you may get from other romantic flicks.
Stream "An Unexpected Valentine" on Netflix now.
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