What Things Like This is About
Things Like This centers on Zack Anthony, a struggling writer who crosses paths with Zack Mandel, an assistant working for a talent agent. What begins as a small kindness between them blooms into something neither expected, especially after their first date goes hilariously wrong. As they spend more time together, they discover a shared history that feels almost cosmically arranged—the kind of coincidence that makes you wonder if the universe is playing matchmaker. The film follows their journey as they work through personal obstacles and misunderstandings to figure out whether what they've found is genuine or just a fleeting spark.
Behind the Making of Things Like This
Things Like This marks the feature directorial debut of Max Talisman, who also wrote and stars in the film—a bold triple threat that shows real creative ambition. Released in 2025 with a runtime of 98 minutes, the film comes from Opposite Field Pictures and sits comfortably within the comedy-romance space that's still relatively young territory for mainstream cinema. The gay romantic comedy genre has been expanding steadily over the past decade, but it's still finding its voice, and Talisman's entry represents the kind of personal, character-driven work that can help shape where these stories go next. While specific box office figures and award nominations aren't yet widely catalogued, the film's arrival on major streaming platforms has positioned it to reach audiences who might not catch it in theaters—which is increasingly where independent rom-coms find their real audience anyway.
Why Things Like This Stands Out
What's striking about Things Like This is that it genuinely tries. Talisman brings a real desire to capture the messy, funny, occasionally awkward reality of two people figuring out if they're compatible, and there's something refreshing in that earnestness even when the execution wobbles. The chemistry between the leads—particularly in the early scenes where they're still learning each other's rhythms—carries genuine warmth, and the film doesn't shy away from letting those comedic moments breathe. The disastrous first date sequence is exactly the kind of cringe-humor setup that can either make or break a rom-com, and here it mostly works because you can feel the actors' commitment to the bit. What's less consistent is the film's tonal balance; it wants to be both a light romp and something with actual emotional stakes, and it doesn't always manage both simultaneously. The revelation of their shared past, which should feel like a turning point, sometimes lands as convenient rather than inevitable. Still, there's genuine warmth here—the kind that makes you root for these characters even when the script is straining a bit. Movie OTT has made it easy to track where indie comedies like this one land, and the streaming availability means audiences can discover it without the pressure of a theatrical commitment.
How to Stream Things Like This Online
Things Like This is currently available across major OTT services, making it accessible whether you've got a subscription to the usual suspects or are browsing across multiple platforms. The beauty of a film like this—smaller in scope, intimate in scale—is that it works just as well on a home screen as it would in a theater. You can check the Where to Watch widget at the top of this page to see exactly which services are streaming it in your region right now, since availability shifts regularly. Movie OTT tracks these changes so you don't have to hunt around wondering if it's still there.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Who directed Things Like This?
Max Talisman wrote, directed, and starred in Things Like This as his feature directorial debut. It's an ambitious first feature that shows real creative vision, even if the execution isn't always flawless.
Q: Is Things Like This based on a true story?
No, Things Like This is an original screenplay written by Talisman. The story of the two Zacks and their unexpected connection is fictional, though it's grounded in the kinds of real emotions and situations that make rom-coms resonate.
Q: How long is Things Like This?
The film runs 98 minutes, making it a brisk, compact romantic comedy that doesn't overstay its welcome.
Q: What's the IMDb rating for Things Like This?
Things Like This currently has a 6.2/10 rating on IMDb, reflecting mixed but generally positive audience reception for this debut feature.
Q: Where can I watch Things Like This?
Things Like This is streaming on major OTT platforms. Check the Where to Watch widget above to see which services have it available in your region, as streaming rights vary by location and change regularly.
Should You Watch Things Like This
Things Like This works best for viewers who want a low-stakes, character-focused rom-com that doesn't demand too much but offers genuine moments of connection and humor. It's not a perfect film—the pacing stumbles occasionally and some emotional beats feel rushed—but it's earnest in ways that matter. If you're looking for gay representation in romantic comedies that doesn't feel like it's checking a box, or if you just want something warm and occasionally funny to watch on a weekend, this one's worth your time. The fact that it exists at all, made by a filmmaker with something personal to say, counts for something.
