Miranda Cosgrove’s Netflix romcom ‘The Wrong Paris’ leaves fans more confused than charmed

Miranda Cosgrove stars in Netflix romcom ‘The Wrong Paris’, but weak writing and editing leave fans questioning it.

Miranda Cosgrove has returned to the screen in Netflix’s latest original romcom The Wrong Paris, but the response has been far from glowing. Released this week, the film promised a playful spin on reality dating culture yet has already drawn sharp criticism for its lack of spark and uneven production.

Cosgrove, best known for iCarly, plays Dawn, a small-town woman who dreams of studying art in Paris but can’t afford the tuition. Pushed by her sister to join a reality dating show with a cash prize, she soon discovers that the show’s location isn’t Paris, France but Paris, Texas. Her plan to cash out quickly takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself falling for the bachelor at the centre of the show.

The setup carried potential, blending elements of The Bachelor and Hallmark romance films. Yet reviewers noted that despite its promising premise, the film is weighed down by clumsy editing, inconsistent framing and a script that fails to land both comedic and romantic beats. The romance between Cosgrove’s character and Trey, played by Pierson Fodé, was described as lacking chemistry, with one critic suggesting the film’s only real tension was over whose hair looked worse under the studio lights.

Cosgrove handles the slapstick elements with ease, from pratfalls to messy eating scenes, but struggles when the script calls for genuine romantic sincerity. Critics observed that her character’s journey from independent student to someone willing to give up her dreams for a wealthy ranch owner felt outdated, especially in a romcom aimed at younger audiences.

Social media reaction was similarly mixed, with some viewers expressing disappointment at what they saw as another generic Netflix release, while others said Cosgrove’s charm was the only reason they stayed to the end. Memes of the supposed Paris setting, filmed in Canada but meant to pass as Texas, also circulated widely.

For fans hoping Cosgrove’s return to leading roles would mark a new chapter in her career, The Wrong Paris may not have been the right vehicle. While some romcoms gain cult status for their cheesiness, early signs suggest this one may not inspire the same nostalgic affection.