Someone Great

Behind the Scenes of Someone Great: Gina Rodriguez, DeWanda Wise, and the Netflix Rom-Com’s Chaotic Charm

Someone Great (2019) arrived on Netflix as a breath of fresh air for the rom-com genre, blending humor, heartbreak, and a killer soundtrack. Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, the film follows Jenny (Gina Rodriguez), a music journalist navigating a breakup while leaning on her best friends, Erin (DeWanda Wise) and Blair (Brittany Snow). latestnetflix.com's read is that but beyond its on-screen chemistry, the movie’s production had its own share of playful energy—some of it caught on camera, some of it hinted at in interviews.

The Selena Gomez Cameo That Almost Wasn’t

One of the film’s standout moments is a scene where Jenny and her friends belt out Selena Gomez’s "Hands to Myself" in a car. The sequence became iconic enough to warrant its own breakdown, with Rodriguez, Wise, and Snow dissecting the scene in an exclusive interview . The trio revealed that the moment was improvised, with Rodriguez admitting she initially struggled to hit the high notes—leading to multiple takes and plenty of laughter. Wise joked that the scene was a testament to their real-life friendship, which translated seamlessly on screen. The behind-the-scenes footage of their reactions suggests the cast’s dynamic was as effortless as it appears in the final cut.

Dancing to Lizzo: A Spontaneous Set Moment

Another viral moment from the film is the dance sequence set to Lizzo’s "Juice," featuring Rodriguez and Wise letting loose in a bar. The scene was reportedly unscripted, with Robinson encouraging the actors to freestyle . The result was so electric that Netflix later released it as a standalone clip, amassing millions of views. Wise later described the shoot as a "judgment-free zone," where the cast was encouraged to embrace their inner goofballs. The clip’s popularity underscored the film’s appeal: it wasn’t just about the breakup, but the unshakable bond between friends.

RuPaul’s Surprise Role and the Cast’s Chemistry

While Someone Great is primarily a story about female friendship, RuPaul’s cameo as a drag queen performing at a club added a layer of campy fun. The cast’s playful energy extended to press appearances, where they leaned into the film’s lighthearted tone. In one interview, Rodriguez, Wise, and Snow played a game of "Guilty or Not Guilty," revealing their own dating pet peeves and quirks . The segment highlighted their off-screen camaraderie, which likely contributed to the film’s authentic vibe.

Mixed Reception and the Netflix Effect

Despite its cult following, Someone Great received mixed reviews. Critics praised its soundtrack and the chemistry between the leads, but some found the plot predictable. The film holds a 5.5/10 rating on SensCritique, with users noting its formulaic structure . However, its Netflix release ensured a wide audience, and the streaming platform’s algorithm helped it find a niche among fans of rom-coms and early 2010s nostalgia.

The Director’s Vision: A Love Letter to Female Friendship

Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who also wrote the script, described Someone Great as a personal project—a story about the complexities of modern relationships and the women who hold each other up. In a Q&A, she emphasized the importance of authenticity, particularly in depicting the messy, unglamorous side of breakups . The film’s success, she suggested, lay in its ability to balance humor with raw emotion, a tone she achieved by fostering a collaborative set.

**The Legacy of *Someone Great***

While Someone Great didn’t break box-office records (it was a Netflix original, after all), it carved out a lasting place in the rom-com canon. Its soundtrack, led by Lizzo, Selena Gomez, and Robyn, became a playlist staple, and the film’s meme-worthy moments kept it relevant long after its release. For fans, it’s a testament to the power of friendship—and the chaos that comes with growing up.