During the holiday break, we browsed Netflix for binge-worthy movies and stumbled upon The Wrong Paris, a rom-com where a trip to Paris turns out to be in Texas. This holiday movie is an easy, relaxing watch filled with humor, romance, and small-town charm, making it ideal for unwinding during the season.
The Wrong Paris stars Miranda Cosgrove as Dawn Blanton, a 25-year-old woman from Honey Grove, Texas, who dreams of attending art school in Paris, France. When her savings fall short, her younger sister Emily (Emilija Baranac) convinces her to audition for the reality dating show The Honeypot. Dawn hopes to get eliminated early while earning the $20,000 appearance fee to fund her dream. The twist is that the show is actually set in Paris, Texas, not France. This mistaken location turns her plan upside down and sets the stage for a story about love, dreams, compromise, and unexpected sacrifice.
Miranda Cosgrove Brings Dawn to Life
Cosgrove carries the film with charm and energy, portraying Dawn as determined, spunky, and relatable. Dawn is a small-town waitress and metalsmithing sculptor whose dreams extend far beyond Honey Grove. Cosgrove captures both her humor and vulnerability, making viewers root for her as she navigates the absurd world of reality dating shows.
Opposite her, Pierson Fodé plays Trey McAllen III, the handsome cowboy and bachelor on the show. Fodé brings warmth and ease to the role, creating genuine chemistry with Dawn that keeps audiences invested even as the rom-com follows predictable beats. Their playful and romantic interactions provide some of the film’s most entertaining moments.
As Dawn spends more time with Trey, she starts to rethink what she truly wants. What begins as a plan to get eliminated becomes a situation where her heart and her dreams pull her in different directions. The story becomes about whether Dawn will choose her lifelong dream or embrace the possibility of love she never expected.
Supporting Cast Adds Humor and Heart
The supporting cast contributes warmth and comic relief. Frances Fisher is memorable as Dawn’s grandmother, Birdie, providing emotional grounding. Yvonne Orji shines as Rachel, the well-meaning reality show producer, delivering energy and humor that elevate the satire of dating shows.
Other contestants on The Honeypot include influencer Lexie Miller (Madison Pettis), Cinderella-like Cindy (Madeleine Arthur), rough-around-the-edges Heather (Veronica Long), and quirky Jasmine (Christin Park). Their exaggerated personalities create rivalry, comic relief, and memorable moments that make every challenge and competition scene entertaining.
A Playful and Hilarious Satire of Reality Dating Shows
The Wrong Paris works as a playful parody of reality dating shows. Contestants declare instant love, compete in exaggerated challenges, and attend dramatic ceremonies that magnify familiar tropes. Dawn’s desire to get eliminated while hiding her real reason for joining adds tension and humor. Her growing feelings for Trey complicate her plan and push her to face difficult choices between personal ambition and romance.
Scenes such as Trey washing a horse or contestants scrambling for attention highlight the absurdity of the show and keep the film fun throughout. Yvonne Orji’s Rachel adds another layer of humor as she supports Dawn while being foiled by the dismissive showrunner Carl (Torrance Coombs). The film balances parody with authentic emotion, making it both lighthearted and engaging.
A Story of Dreams, Choices, and Sacrifice
The Wrong Paris does more than poke fun at reality dating shows. It tells a story about dreams, love, and sacrifice. Dawn has always wanted to go to Paris, France for art school. She works hard and saves money for that goal. When her plan goes wrong, she joins The Honeypot out of necessity. As she grows closer to Trey, she must decide how much she is willing to give up for love. This emotional conflict between holding onto a dream and embracing a new possibility is the heart of the film.
Although the story follows familiar rom-com patterns, it embraces the formula with charm and heart. Dawn’s journey combines romance, comedy, and personal growth against a colorful backdrop. Bright visuals, playful performances, and a lively tone make this film ideal for a holiday binge-watch or a weekend when viewers want to sit back and relax.
Why The Wrong Paris is a Must-Watch Holiday Movie
The Wrong Paris delivers exactly what viewers want from a Netflix holiday rom-com. Cosgrove’s spirited performance as Dawn keeps the story engaging. Fodé’s cowboy charm adds genuine romance. Orji’s comedic timing elevates the satire. This film is perfect for anyone looking for a light, funny, and heartwarming holiday movie experience.
If you are searching for a holiday romantic comedy that is easy to watch, full of laughs, and has heart, The Wrong Paris is a must-see. It balances silly fun with a thoughtful look at dreams, choices, and love, making it a great choice to binge-watch with friends or family.
The Wrong Paris is streaming now on Netflix.
