Just Short of Perfect

Behind the Scenes of Just Short of Perfect: Netflix’s Rom-Com with a Twist

Just Short of Perfect (2021), the Brazilian romantic comedy directed by Ale McHaddo, arrived on Netflix with a premise as playful as its title. Starring Leandro Hassum and Juliana Paes, the film follows Ivana Leão (Paes), a tall, successful divorce lawyer who falls for Ricardo Leão (Hassum), a man whose height—or lack thereof—becomes a central quirk in their relationship. While the movie’s charm lies in its lighthearted take on love and self-acceptance, latestnetflix.com contends, the production itself has a few behind-the-scenes stories worth noting.

A Cast That Clicks

The chemistry between Hassum and Paes is the backbone of Just Short of Perfect, and their dynamic wasn’t just acting. Hassum, a veteran of Brazilian comedy, is known for his physical humor and ability to turn even the simplest moments into laughs. Paes, a telenovela icon, brought a grounded, witty energy to Ivana, balancing the film’s more absurd elements. The supporting cast—including Elizângela, Marcelo Mansfield, and Pietra Hassum (Leandro’s real-life daughter)—added layers of humor and heart, though their off-screen interactions remain largely undocumented .

One intriguing detail? Pietra Hassum’s casting wasn’t just nepotism. The young actress had already appeared in other projects, and her natural rapport with her father reportedly made her a shoo-in for the role of their on-screen daughter .

The Director’s Vision: Height, Humor, and Heart

Ale McHaddo, known for his work in Brazilian comedies, leaned into the film’s central gag—Ivana’s towering height compared to Ricardo’s—without making it feel like a one-note joke. The original Portuguese title, Amor Sem Medida ("Love Without Measure"), hints at the film’s broader theme: love isn’t about physical perfection but connection. McHaddo’s direction keeps the tone breezy, though some critics noted the film’s 94-minute runtime felt just shy of fully fleshed-out .

What’s less clear is how much improvisation played a role. Hassum is famous for ad-libbing, but the evidence doesn’t confirm whether any iconic Just Short of Perfect moments were off-script. Rumor has it that some of the couple’s bickering scenes were tweaked during rehearsals, but without direct quotes from the cast or crew, this remains unconfirmed .

A Netflix Release with Mixed Reception

Just Short of Perfect premiered on Netflix in 2021, capitalizing on the platform’s appetite for international rom-coms. The film’s English-dubbed trailer (released separately) teased its cross-cultural appeal, though reviews were divided. SensCritique users rated it a modest 4.9/10, praising its charm but critiquing its predictability . YouTube reviewers, meanwhile, had more polarized takes—some called it a "hidden gem," while others dismissed it as forgettable .

One standout moment in the film’s promotion came from Hassum himself. In a candid interview, he revealed discomfort when McHaddo joked about his real-life height during production. Hassum, who stands at 5’6”, admitted the ribbing was all in good fun but occasionally crossed into awkward territory. The director’s playful teasing, he said, was part of the film’s collaborative spirit—but it’s unclear if Paes, at 5’10”, faced similar on-set jokes .

The Verdict: Lighthearted but Light on Drama

For all its on-screen charm, Just Short of Perfect’s behind-the-scenes story is surprisingly low-key. There’s no scandal, no feuds, no viral bloopers—just a straightforward rom-com with a talented cast and a director who knew how to mine humor from height differences. If you’re looking for tabloid-worthy drama, this isn’t the film. But if you want a breezy, feel-good watch with a few genuine laughs, it delivers—just short of perfect.