The Story of The Plus One
Lizzie's got one simple request for her Male of Honor, Marshall: don't bring his ex-girlfriend Marie to her destination wedding. Straightforward enough, right? Except Marshall, still lovesick and not thinking clearly, does exactly the thing he was asked not to do. He brings Marie as his plus one—and she's determined to wreck the whole event. What unfolds is a collision of romantic chaos, wounded feelings, and wedding-day mishaps that tests every relationship in the orbit of Lizzie's big moment. The film, directed by Erik White, leans into the timeless formula of the romantic comedy: good intentions pave the road to disaster, and sometimes the people closest to us are the ones most likely to blow things up.
Production, Cast, and the Making of The Plus One
Released in 2023, The Plus One brings together a cast anchored by R&B artist and actress Ashanti in a leading role opposite Jonathan Bennett, known for his work in Mean Girls and Cheaper by the Dozen. The ensemble also features Michelle Hurd, Cassie Scerbo, and Cedric the Entertainer, lending seasoned comedic presence to the proceedings. Director Erik White helms the project with a straightforward approach to the genre—no experimental narrative tricks, just the familiar beats of a wedding comedy built around conflict and reconciliation. The 94-minute runtime keeps things brisk, though opinions vary sharply on whether the pace serves the story or simply rushes past character development. While The Plus One didn't generate significant box-office buzz or major awards recognition, it found its audience through streaming platforms, particularly among viewers hunting for lightweight romantic fare on a weekend night. Movie OTT tracks where films like this land across the streaming ecosystem, making it easy to spot comedies that might otherwise slip under the radar.
Why The Plus One Lands as a Familiar, If Uneven, Wedding Comedy
What's striking about The Plus One is how earnestly it commits to its premise without ever quite finding the comedic or emotional depth that would make it memorable. The core setup—a saboteur ex crashing a wedding—is solid enough, and there's real potential in the dynamic between Ashanti's Lizzie and Bennett's Marshall, two people whose friendship gets tested by romantic entanglement and poor decision-making. Cedric the Entertainer brings genuine warmth to his scenes, offering moments of levity that feel earned rather than forced. The film doesn't shy away from the messiness of adult friendships, the way love can cloud judgment, or how a single person's choices can ripple outward to hurt everyone around them—that's the stuff worth exploring. But here's where it stumbles: the script doesn't quite trust its characters enough to let them breathe. Instead of letting tension build naturally, it tends to resolve conflicts quickly and neatly, which drains the stakes. The performances are game (Ashanti holds her own as the exasperated bride, and Bennett captures Marshall's desperate confusion), yet they're working with material that doesn't always give them much to chew on. It's the kind of film that knows what it wants to be—a light, crowd-pleasing romantic comedy—but doesn't quite have the wit or the emotional sophistication to transcend the formula. The IMDb rating of 3.9/10 suggests audiences found it wanting, though that score may be harsher than the film deserves; it's competent, just not particularly inventive.
Where to Watch The Plus One Online
The Plus One is currently streaming on Prime Video, making it accessible to anyone with an Amazon subscription. If you're browsing for weekend viewing, you can jump in without worrying about rental fees or purchase requirements—it's included with your membership. Movie OTT maintains an updated "Where to Watch" widget at the top of this page showing all current platforms where the film is available, so you'll always know the latest streaming home for The Plus One. Since streaming rights shift frequently, checking that widget before you hit play is a smart habit, especially if you're planning a watch party or want to make sure it's still available on your preferred service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who directed The Plus One?
Erik White directed The Plus One, bringing a straightforward approach to the romantic comedy genre. White keeps the film's 94-minute runtime lean and focused on the wedding-weekend chaos at its center.
Q: Is The Plus One based on a true story?
No, The Plus One is an original fictional story about a bride's wedding being disrupted by her best man's poor decision to bring his vengeful ex as his plus one. It's a purely comedic take on the wedding-chaos genre.
Q: Who stars in The Plus One?
The film features Ashanti as Lizzie, Jonathan Bennett as Marshall, Michelle Hurd, Cassie Scerbo, Cedric the Entertainer, and others. Ashanti carries the film as the bride trying to salvage her special day, while Bennett plays the well-meaning but misguided best man.
Q: How long is The Plus One?
The Plus One runs 94 minutes, keeping the story moving at a brisk pace without lingering too long on any one subplot or emotional beat.
Q: Where can I watch The Plus One?
You can stream The Plus One on Prime Video. Check the Where to Watch widget on this page for the most current availability information, as streaming rights can change.
Final Thoughts on The Plus One
If you're in the mood for a no-stakes romantic comedy that doesn't demand much emotional investment—something to have on while you're doing laundry or catching up on your phone—The Plus One fits the bill. It's got likable actors, a premise that works, and enough wedding-day chaos to keep things moving. It won't surprise you, it won't make you think, and it probably won't stick with you after the credits roll. But sometimes that's exactly what you're looking for. Just don't expect it to reinvent the wheel or offer anything beyond the familiar rhythms of the genre.
