Return to Office Movie Review
I couldn’t believe it when I saw that Janel Parrish and Scott Michael Foster were going to be starring in a Hallmark movie together! I’ve enjoyed both of these actors in other tv shows and movies and so the idea of them being in a movie together sounded great. Keep reading for my full Return to Office movie review.
During the Covid-19 Pandemic, working from home became common in many industries. It was the best way to keep people safe! But it also posed some challenges. Because as companies grew and more employees were hired, it meant that they would need to make more space for people once they cam back to the office. And that’s exactly what happens in this movie.
What is Return to Office on Hallmark Channel about?
After making the return to the office on a hybrid schedule, two coworkers known to each other only as Ms. Monday and Mr. Tuesday start sending friendly notes, sparking an office romance. Starring Janel Parrish and Scott Michael Foster. (from Hallmark.com)
The Main Cast
The main couple is played by Janel Parrish and Scott Michael Foster. I’ve seen Janel in a couple of things. One of her most memorable roles for me is Mona in Pretty Little Liars. I also really liked her as the oldest sister in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.
And the first tv show I saw Scott in was Greek on ABC family. Lol. I was probably way too young to be watching that show because it came out when I was in 8th grade. But I also really enjoyed him as Nathaniel in Crazy Ex Girlfriend.
I Wasn’t So Sure about Liv at First
With her classical music and her meticulous matcha, she seemed a little uptight. And when her boss first announced the return to office mandate, I wasn’t sure if she was going to be able to make it work. She had so many requirements like being in a quiet area that was away from the kitchen and didn’t smell. I mean… I work in an office and I didn’t even get to choose where my cubicle is.
But she wound up growing on me and in the end, I really liked her a lot. More on that in a bit!
The Desk Share Rules
The rules are that because there aren’t enough desks in their office to accomodate all their workers, they have a hybrid schedule. One person works in the office on Monday and Wednesday. The second person works in the office at the same desk on Tuesday and Thursday. And then on Friday everyone works from home.
When Liv first assumes her desk, she adds personal touches like pens and sticky notes and a succulent. And at the end of the day, she leaves a note for her desk partner saying that even though the rules say they are supposed to store all their personal belongings, she is going ot keep her succulent on the desk. It needs light and it just makes sense. She signs her note from Ms. Monday.
When Tom comes in on Wednesday and assumes his position at the desk, he doesn’t have a problem with the succulent. But he also adds his own personal touches to the desk, like portraits and artwork. And a rubber duck.
But when Liv comes back the next day, that’s when she and mr. tuesday start fighting over their shared space. The notes start flying and the two of them develop a secret friendship. But neither of them knows who the other is.
Is It Realistic?
Probably not. But it was such a cute premise for a story. I loved how Ms. Monday and Mr. Tuesday were carrying on a secret relationship, while Tom and Liv were really getting to know each other in real life.
I will say, the hybrid work schedule is realistic. I work in an office and although we don’t share desks, we do work a hybrid schedule. I generally only work from home 1 day a week but it is nice to have a day where you can just get up and go to work in your pajamas. Lol.
I loved the Retirement Community Plot line
As it turns out, Liv teaches quilting at a local retirement community. And while there, she meets Judy, who is Tom’s mom. I loved how Judy and her friend (I can’t remember her name) were so invested in Liv and her love life. Haha. It was so cute how they promised not to meddle and yet they still did. I guess they just couldn’t help themselves.
In Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed my Return to Office movie review. It’s a really cute movie and I loved the actors who played the main couple. Sometimes Hallmark movies can be a little cheesy but this one was not.
And also, this is totally off topic, but I loved Liv’s corporate wardrobe. She had so many classic yet fashionable pieces. It kinds of makes me want to start dressing up for work more.
