By Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 10/30/25 – Elizabeth Guest dazzles both behind and in front of the camera in Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off self-aware romantic comedy that premiered Saturday, October 18th at noon at the Lido Theater. Written, directed, and starring Guest herself, the film delivers a whip-smart and refreshingly modern look at what happens when a self-proclaimed love addict tries to find something real in a world built on rom-com clichés.
The story follows Lydia (Guest), a charming but impulsive woman whose pattern of sabotaging her own happiness is as relatable as it is funny. When her dependable boyfriend Tim (Andrew Leeds) surprises her with a dreamy, Christmas-in-New-York proposal, she panics, literally setting the storybook fantasy ablaze. Lydia retreats to Los Angeles and into the chaos of living with her four eccentric parents, played with comedic brilliance by Ed Begley Jr., Rachelle Carson-Begley, Keith Carradine, Nicholas Guest, and Pamela Guest.
What unfolds is a sharp, character-driven portrait of self-sabotage and self-discovery. As Lydia’s well-meaning parents throw a New Year’s Eve bash to set her up with every eligible man they know, the night descends into a hilarious emotional minefield, complete with unexpected guests, romantic misfires, and a climactic moment of truth before midnight.
Guest’s performance is magnetic, vulnerable, witty, and deeply human. Leeds, as the steadfast Tim, provides the perfect foil to Lydia’s flighty nature. The supporting cast is a treasure trove of Hollywood talent: Ed Begley Jr. and Rachelle Carson-Begley bring warmth and comic timing, Keith Carradine lends gravitas, and Joey Bragg (Liv & Maddie) adds youthful charm. Timm Sharp (M3GAN 2.0) and Robert Carradine (Lizzie McGuire) round out the ensemble, keeping the energy alive and unpredictable.
As a writer and director, Elizabeth Guest proves she has a keen eye for emotional nuance and comedic rhythm. Her script is smartly layered, satirical yet sincere offering both biting commentary on modern romance and a genuine emotional payoff. The film’s pacing feels brisk and engaging, with sharp editing and vibrant cinematography that perfectly capture the Los Angeles energy against the wistful longing for New York’s holiday magic.
Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off is a confident, charming debut that balances humor and heart with an assured directorial voice. Guest’s storytelling feels both classic and current, drawing on the traditions of Nora Ephron while infusing them with a millennial sensibility. It’s a love letter to imperfection—and to those who keep trying, even after setting the storybook on fire.
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⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Funny, heartfelt, and sharply written, Elizabeth Guest’s feature is a standout in this year’s festival circuit—a rom-com with brains, heart, and just the right amount of chaos.
