Relationship Goals
The film "Relationship Goals (2026)" is a romantic comedy exploring themes of love, career ambition, and personal growth, inspired by Pastor Michael Todd's bestselling book of the same name. It centers on TV producer Leah Caldwell, who finds her path to a major promotion complicated by her ex-boyfriend, Jarrett Roy, now her competitor, who attributes his changed outlook to the "Relationship Goals" book. The movie blends workplace rivalry with rekindled romance and features subplots involving Leah's friends and their dating challenges. While presented with an uplifting, faith-based framework, it incorporates contemporary relationship dynamics. Targeted at an adult audience interested in romantic comedies with a spiritual twist, the film has a PG-13 rating, indicating that it contains some material that parents might find unsuitable for pre-teen children, including suggestive content and moderate language.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film features a character identified as a "flamboyantly cliché gay friend" with significant screentime. While no explicit romantic or sexual acts are detailed for this character, his presence and characterization contribute to LGBTQ+ representation within the movie.
The character of Roland is described as a "flamboyantly cliché gay friend with lots of screentime". Ryan Jamaal Swain, known for his role in the LGBTQ-themed show 'Pose', plays Roland, who is part of Leah's extended network.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe movie contains romantic scenes including kissing and mild suggestive language. It also implies premarital sexual activity and depicts an unmarried couple living together, although explicit sexual acts are not shown.
Adult couples kiss in romantic scenes. Sex is implied but not shown, such as two adults waking up next to each other. The film includes an implied fornication scene and an unmarried couple living together.
Profanity
MediumThe film includes a moderate amount of profanity and terms of deity. This includes a few mild to moderate expletives and several uses of God's name in vain.
The script contains 'five mild and moderate expletives and ten terms of deity.' Movieguide specifies 'one “s” word and three “d” words, and there are six light profanities, plus two or so vulgarities.'
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThere are brief, provocative references to occult themes, specifically 'voodoo', mentioned in the context of characters' 'fallenness before faith,' but these elements do not appear to be central to the plot or actively practiced.
Movieguide notes the presence of 'some pagan, unbiblical behavior... including some occult references to voodoo' within the film, which they described as more provocative than necessary.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe plot involves initial animosity and professional rivalry between the protagonist, Leah Caldwell, and her ex-boyfriend, Jarrett Roy, who had cheated on her. Leah initially shows defiance towards Jarrett and his claims of change, as well as a strong focus on her career ambitions.
The narrative begins with Leah Caldwell's anger over Jarrett Roy, her ex-boyfriend who cheated on her. Leah is described as 'laser-focused on breaking through the glass ceiling, refusing to let his reinvention rewrite her future,' indicating a strong, independent, and somewhat rebellious attitude towards traditional expectations and her past relationship.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumDespite being based on a pastor's book and featuring Christian themes, some elements may conflict with a traditional Christian worldview. The film depicts premarital cohabitation and implied sexual activity without explicitly portraying them as sinful, and includes a 'flamboyantly cliché gay friend' without negative judgment, potentially normalizing behaviors not aligned with conservative Christian teachings.
The film features characters who 'have sex and live together before marriage with little comment. Even supposedly Christian characters.' While the pastor's book advises against certain behaviors as 'unwise,' they are 'never as sinful.' Additionally, the inclusion of a 'flamboyantly cliché gay friend with lots of screentime' within a faith-based movie may be seen as problematic by some Christian viewers due to differing biblical interpretations on sexuality.
Violence
LowThere is no depicted physical violence in the film. One review mentions a comedic element involving an 'empty bomb threat' used as a plot device, which is not intended to be genuinely threatening or graphic.
Parent Previews explicitly states 'Violence: None' for the film. A scene includes Leah initiating an 'empty bomb threat' at an airport for a 'cliched airport denouement,' which is presented as a lighthearted, non-violent plot point.
Substance Use
LowCharacters are shown consuming alcohol socially in some scenes. There is no depiction or mention of illegal drug use or excessive alcohol consumption leading to significant impairment.
Parent Previews states, 'Adults drink socially in some scenes.' No explicit details on the frequency or context of drinking are provided beyond social settings.
Scary & Intense Content
LowThe film is a romantic comedy and does not feature scary elements, horror, or genuinely intense scenes designed to frighten. Emotional intensity stems from professional rivalry and relationship drama, not peril.
The movie is categorized as a romantic comedy and reviews do not indicate any scary or frightening content. While Leah puts Jarrett in 'mortal danger' with a bomb threat, it is described as an 'empty bomb threat' in a 'cliched airport denouement,' suggesting it is played for comedic effect rather than genuine suspense or fear.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 13 and up. The film is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for suggestive material and language, which is consistent with the presence of implied sexual content, moderate profanity, and social drinking. The thematic exploration of complex adult relationships, including infidelity and cohabitation, is better suited for teenagers and older audiences.
Additional Notes
The film is heavily influenced by and serves as an extended advertisement for Pastor Michael Todd's book, 'Relationship Goals: How to Win at Dating, Marriage, and Sex.' Critics note that this makes the film feel like a 'product placement' or 'infomercial.' This might impact the perceived sincerity of its faith-based messages for some viewers.
Related Reviews
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