Something from Tiffany’s Review: A Heartwarming Engagement Fiasco

A professor (Kendrick Sampson) falls for a baker (Zoey Deutch) when she accidentally gets the ring meant for his girlfriend.

A widowed writing professor and sweet-natured baker cross paths after an improbable engagement fiasco. Something from Tiffany’s tugs on your heartstrings in all the right ways. Its predictable, romantic comedy goodness warms your insides like a cup of hot cocoa. Coincidences I would normally discount as ridiculous work in the wondrous search for true love. Who doesn’t dream of accidentally meeting an enchanting stranger? Blend sprinkles of manufactured angst, an intrusive bestie, adorable kid, and heaping spoonfuls of New York City at Christmas for a delightful confection.

Ethan Greene (Kendrick Sampson) and his daughter, Daisy (Leah Jeffries), shop for a beautiful engagement ring at Tiffany’s. The UCLA creative writing teacher wants to propose to his girlfriend, Vanessa (Shay Mitchell), on Christmas morning. At a nearby counter, tattoo artist Gary (Ray Nicholson), buys the cheapest earrings he can find at the luxury jeweler. An accident outside the Fifth Avenue store sends Gary to the hospital and Ethan taking the wrong gift bag after helping him.

Daisy and Ethan run into Rachel (Zoey Deutch), Gary’s girlfriend, when they check on him the next day. Rachel, thankful for Ethan’s kindness, invites them to visit her bakery booth in Bryant Park. Ethan and Rachel spark a connection when he helps her with a rush of customers. Rachel notices the Tiffany’s bag when taking home Gary’s belongings. She’s floored to discover the ring.

Ethan is even more surprised when Vanessa opens her gift and finds the earrings. He quickly deduces that Gary must have the ring. Who actually proposes to Rachel when she unwraps the gift. Gary then refuses to give the ring back to Ethan. A frustrated Ethan tries to tell Rachel but doesn’t want to hurt her feelings. They spend more time together as the situation gets complicated. Soon realizing they have something together that doesn’t exist with their current partners.

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Deutch and Sampson Fit like a Glove

Ethan allowing Gary to keep the ring is less believable than Santa Claus. But that’s what makes the narrative so affecting. You can’t help but like a dashing protagonist willing to sacrifice a year’s salary to stop heartbreak. Rachel knows that Gary is intrinsically selfish. Her best friend (Jojo T. Gibbs) warns he’s not good enough. Rachel says yes to Gary with the hope he will be better. Then finds someone thoughtful and caring who takes her breath away. Deutch and Sampson fit like a glove here. Their chemistry builds as her character connects with his daughter.

Based on the novel by Melissa Hill, Something from Tiffany’s wisely never gets ugly. It stays upbeat and charming through a breezy runtime. Gary and Vanessa are unlikable jerks, but not diabolically so. They achieve the goal of being lame partners easily dismissed. We’ve all stayed in bad relationships for too long. Rachel credibly handles the truth. Disappointment tips the scales towards realism. Especially when a real man treats her with kindness and respect. Their happy ending is easy to root for.

Something from Tiffany’s is a production of Amazon Studios and Hello Sunshine. It is currently available to stream on Prime Video.