Because of Cupid Review: Hallmark’s Magical Valentine’s Rom-Com Delight

Hallmark Channel knows exactly what it’s doing when Valentine’s Day rolls around. This year, the network might’ve delivered its most delightfully magical romance yet.

Because of Cupid arrives wrapped in whimsy, mythology, and just enough modern sass to keep even the most romance-resistant viewer glued to the couch. Amy Groening and Evan Roderick lead as best friends who stumble into a supernatural love experiment.

This sweet fantasy rom-com is already stirring debate. Is it Hallmark’s smartest Valentine’s movie in years? I’m not sure, but it’s definitely a contender.

A Valentine’s Day Release That Aims Straight for the Heart

February is basically the Super Bowl for Hallmark romantics. While recent titles have charmed audiences, Because of Cupid lands with particularly confident timing.

Premiering on February 14, the film leans into the holiday’s mythology instead of just its greeting-card aesthetic. It blends classic romantic tropes with a touch of ancient magic.

At its core, the story follows Naomi and Marcus, two bartenders whose chemistry is obvious to everyone but themselves. They’ve got that familiar rom-com dynamic: work wife and work husband, best friends who finish each other’s sentences, and the last two people to admit there’s something more simmering beneath the surface.

Meet the Bartenders Who Don’t Know They’re in Love

Naomi, played by Amy Groening, is a pragmatic mixologist determined to boost business at the wine bar. She’s ambitious, rational, and firmly planted in reality.

Marcus, portrayed by Evan Roderick, is warm, loyal, and quietly harboring deeper feelings for his best friend. Their dynamic feels refreshingly grounded—neither character veers into caricature, and that restraint gives the film emotional credibility.

Marcus isn’t overly brooding, and Naomi isn’t frustratingly oblivious. Instead, they’re just two people who haven’t confronted what’s right in front of them.

Enter Cupid… With a Twist

No Hallmark Valentine’s fantasy would be complete without a magical catalyst. This time, it’s Hal, a mysterious darts player who strolls into their bar one evening.

Played with mischievous charm by Adam Tsekhman, Hal radiates otherworldly energy from the start. He claims to run a tea shop and offers Naomi a vial of syrup to experiment with in her cocktails.

What she doesn’t realize is that Hal is far more than a quirky entrepreneur. He’s Cupid himself, disguised in modern clothing and armed with a love potion instead of arrows.

The Love Potion That Changes Everything

When Naomi unknowingly adds the potion to drinks during a singles mixer, chaos unfolds in the most romantic way possible. Three couples who consume the cocktail suddenly find themselves deeply in love.

And then there’s Marcus. Under the potion’s influence, Marcus confesses his long-suppressed feelings to Naomi.

What makes this twist compelling is that Marcus later admits he suspected Hal’s true identity all along. He knows the potion is at play, but that doesn’t necessarily invalidate his emotions.

Is this love real, or is it just chemical magic? And honestly, does it even matter if the feelings were already there?

Mythology Meets Modern Romance

One of the film’s most delightful aspects is its playful nod to classical mythology. The story draws inspiration from ancient tales like Eros and Psyche and even echoes the romantic chaos of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

But these references are woven into a thoroughly modern setting. The bustling wine bar, mocktail experimentation, and singles mixers anchor the fantasy in everyday life.

The result is a film that feels whimsical without floating too far from reality. It’s a tricky balance, but they pull it off.

Adam Tsekhman Steals the Show

As Cupid, Tsekhman is the secret weapon here. He brings a sly, playful energy to Hal, delivering just enough mischief to keep the story buoyant.

His performance balances charm and mystery, ensuring the character never becomes cartoonish. Hal functions as both puppet master and benevolent matchmaker, nudging fate along but never fully overriding free will.

That nuance keeps things from tipping into absurdity. It’s a delicate dance, and Tsekhman nails it.

Why the Supporting Couples Matter

While Naomi and Marcus form the emotional spine of the film, the three additional couples who ingest the potion add layers of humor and texture. Their exaggerated, starry-eyed reactions bring levity and let the story explore different shades of romantic absurdity.

Each pair leans into the chaos in slightly different ways:

• The whirlwind romantics who instantly start planning a future together
• The skeptics who question their sudden devotion but can’t deny the spark
• The comedic duo who fully embrace the ridiculousness of their predicament

This ensemble approach keeps the film lively. The supporting characters provide contrast to Naomi’s rational mindset and Marcus’s quiet sincerity.

A Fantasy for the Fantasy-Resistant

Maybe the film’s greatest achievement is how carefully it balances magic with emotional realism. Naomi’s instinct is to search for an antidote, determined to undo what she believes is artificial manipulation.

That reaction feels authentic. She isn’t swept away by whimsy; she questions it.

The movie subtly suggests that the potion may simply accelerate what already exists. It doesn’t fabricate love from nothing. Instead, it amplifies dormant feelings.

Grounded Performances Keep It Believable

Groening and Roderick avoid the trap of overplaying their roles. Their chemistry is soft and natural, built on shared history rather than grand gestures.

Even Marcus’s potion-fueled confession is delivered with restraint, which makes it land emotionally rather than theatrically. That grounded approach ensures the fantastical premise never overshadows the human story.

The audience isn’t just watching a magical experiment; they’re watching two people confront vulnerability. And isn’t that what romance is really about, anyway?

The Verdict: Stream It or Skip It?

If you’re after some escapism with a clever literary twist, Because of Cupid might just be what you need.

• Mythological flair drawn from ancient love legends
• Modern rom-com charm rooted in friendship and workplace banter
• A playful ensemble that embraces the absurdity of instant infatuation
• A sweet, slow-burn payoff that feels earned

Love doesn’t always need an arrow or a potion. Sometimes, it just needs a little nudge.

And here, that nudge shows up in tea leaves, cocktail syrup, and a mischievous grin. Hallmark has rolled out plenty of Valentine’s Day romances before, but this one’s got a spark that’s a bit different.

Does magic create love, or just bring it out into the open? I’m not sure, honestly. But for anyone who’s usually skeptical about fairy tales, there’s a decent chance this movie will soften you up, at least for one cozy February night.