Maintenance Required Review: Prime Video's Rom-Com Delivers Familiar, Flawed Fun

Prime Video's latest romantic comedy, Maintenance Required, might be wildly derivative, but it still finds a way to charm audiences with its comforting familiarity.

Released on October 8, 2025, this Amazon-MGM film quickly climbed to the top of the streamer's charts, proving that a well-worn rom-com formula can still draw a crowd. Starring Madelaine Petsch and Jacob Scipio, the movie centers on a classic tale of business rivals unknowingly falling for each other online.

Directed by Lacey Uhlemeyer in her feature debut and written by Uhlemeyer, Roo Berry, and Erin Falconer, Maintenance Required clocks in at approximately 100 minutes. It aims to deliver a feel-good experience, even if it often feels like a compilation of beloved romantic tropes.

Spoiler Advisory: This article discusses plot points, character details, and critical reception, which may contain spoilers for those who have not yet seen Maintenance Required.

Exploring the Familiar Premise and Engaging Performances of Maintenance Required

The core premise of Maintenance Required is immediately recognizable, intentionally or not. Charlie O'Malley, played by Madelaine Petsch, runs an all-female mechanic shop in Oakland that she inherited from her father. Her business faces a major threat when a slick, corporate competitor opens just around the corner.

This rival business is led by the undeniably handsome Beau, portrayed by Jacob Scipio. What neither Charlie nor Beau realizes is that they've been connecting deeply as anonymous confidants on an online car forum. Charlie goes by "GreaseMnky" and Beau by "Bullnose," bonding over their shared passion for automobiles, particularly their vintage Ford Broncos named Marge and Diane, respectively.

The film quickly establishes this "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic, where real-world tensions are contrasted with a growing online affection. Charlie's friends, Izzy (Madison Bailey) and Kam (Katy O'Brian), along with Beau's bestie Jordan (Matteo Lane), act as the supportive, often exasperated, sidekicks who can see the obvious chemistry before the protagonists do.

The Unexpected Charm and Nostalgic Appeal in this Rom-Com

Despite its highly predictable plot, Maintenance Required possesses an undeniable, "turn-your-brain-off" charm that many viewers found appealing. The film doesn't attempt to reinvent the rom-com wheel, instead leaning into the comfort of its familiar beats. This approach resonated with audiences, propelling it to become an instant hit on Prime Video, ranking as high as third on the streamer's Top 10 movies shortly after its October 8 debut.

A significant factor contributing to its watchability is the genuine chemistry between leads Madelaine Petsch and Jacob Scipio. Even critics who panned the film acknowledged their believable spark. Scipio himself described intimate scenes as "choreography" but noted the effort to save their natural connection for the screen.

The humor in the film is also lightly done, avoiding over-the-top antics often found in the genre. This understated comedy, combined with the sheer comfort of a predictable narrative, creates a nostalgic experience. Many viewers, starved for traditional romantic comedies, found themselves buying into the story despite its obviousness.

Unpacking the Derivative Nature and Core Flaws of Maintenance Required

While Maintenance Required found success with audiences, critics were less forgiving, frequently citing its heavily derivative nature as a major drawback. The film has drawn significant comparisons to the 1998 classic You've Got Mail, with some reviewers describing it as a "synthetic simulation" or a "shameless regurgitation" of its plot.

The parallels are striking: a small business owner battling a corporate rival, unknowingly connecting with that rival online. Even the "shop around the corner" motif is explicitly referenced. However, critics argue that the film lacks the depth and genuine charm of its predecessors, including the original Hungarian play Parfumerie (1937), and its adaptations The Shop Around the Corner (1940) and In the Good Old Summertime (1949).

Beyond its lack of originality, reviewers highlighted several flaws. Charlie and Beau's justifications for not meeting in person are often described as flimsy, and the constant emphasis on their "genuine" forum connection over dating apps felt "performative." The corporate critique, while accurate in principle, was seen as "cartoonishly broad," making Beau's long tenure as "The Closer" at Miller Boys hard to believe.

Inconsistencies and Dialogue That Misses the Mark

One of the most criticized aspects of Maintenance Required is its inconsistency in character portrayal and dialogue. Charlie is presented as a "grease-stained gearhead" and an advocate for a female-friendly automotive industry. Yet, Madelaine Petsch is almost always immaculately styled, with only a "lightest grease stain carefully positioned on her forehead," undermining the "rough-and-ready mechanic" image.

Similarly, Beau, despite being dubbed a "cut-throat corporate assassin," is consistently portrayed as an "extremely nice and well-meaning dude." This creates a disconnect where the conflict is based on who characters are told to be, rather than who they are shown to be, as noted by some reviewers.

The script, credited to Lacey Uhlemeyer, Roo Berry, and Erin Falconer, also received criticism for its "leaden dialogue" that "sometimes, okay, often, forgets how real human beings speak and behave." This stiffness contributed to a feeling of inauthenticity and made it harder for the emotional beats to land effectively.

The Intrusive Product Placement and Corporate Hypocrisy

A contentious point among critics was the film's "egregious" product placement, particularly given its ostensibly anti-capitalist themes. Reviewers pointed out the irony of a movie made by Amazon-MGM, featuring scenes where characters rail against corporate giants, while simultaneously showcasing Amazon's own products, like Smartfood white cheddar popcorn, aimed directly at the camera.

This blatant corporate synergy, sometimes described as "corporate bootlicking," was seen as undermining the film's message and contributing to its "synthetic" feel. It highlighted a perceived inauthenticity at the movie's core, where its narrative conflicted with its production practices.

Behind the Scenes: Cast and Crew Insights on Creating the Rom-Com

Lacey Uhlemeyer makes her directorial debut with Maintenance Required, also sharing writing credits with Roo Berry and Erin Falconer. The film's ensemble cast features several rising talents alongside its leads.

Madelaine Petsch, widely known for her role as Cheryl Blossom in Riverdale, leads as Charlie O'Malley. Jacob Scipio, fresh off roles in the Bad Boys franchise, takes on his first rom-com as Beau. Scipio openly discussed his experience, including working with an intimacy coordinator for certain scenes, noting that on-screen intimacy is more "choreography" than passion.

Scipio also praised Petsch for her dual role as lead actress and executive producer. He highlighted her "heart and humor and fire" as Charlie, seeing her as a "passionate entrepreneur" both on and off screen. He noted, with a laugh, that her "greasy, oil-stained fingerprints are all over this," acknowledging her significant creative input.

The supporting cast includes Madison Bailey from Outer Banks as Izzy and Katy O'Brian, known for The Mandalorian and Love Lies Bleeding, as Kam. Comedian Jim Gaffigan also appears as the "dopey CEO" of Miller Boys. Scipio, a self-proclaimed "hopeless romantic," expressed his enjoyment in stepping out of his typical action-oriented roles to play a "guy with a big heart" in a genre he believes brings upliftment and inspiration.

Audience Reception Versus Critical Consensus for Maintenance Required

The reception for Maintenance Required reveals a significant divergence between audience and critical viewpoints. Almost immediately after its release, the film shot up to the #2 or #3 spot on Prime Video's Top 10 movies in the United States, suggesting strong viewership and an immediate "hit" status among general audiences. Many viewers praised its fun, lighthearted romance, and the engaging chemistry between Petsch and Scipio.

However, the critical reception was largely negative. On Rotten Tomatoes, with a limited number of reviews, the consensus leaned towards disappointment. Gregory Nussen of ScreenRant gave the film a 3 out of 10, stating it "sputtery romantic comedy cannot live up to its source material" and "fails to capture the magic of its predecessors, despite charming leads and a talented female-led cast."

Benjamin Lee from The Guardian similarly found "nothing to see here, just another synthetic simulation of a film," suggesting it needed "more complete overhaul" than mere maintenance. Casey Chong of Casey's Movie Mania echoed this, stating that "even with Madelaine Petsch and Jacob Scipio's charming performances, this rom-com seriously needs an overhaul."

Despite the generally negative critical outlook, some reviewers, like Brian Orndorf of Blu-ray, found pockets of enjoyment, noting that "some charm remains in the mix, with Petsch and her co-stars delivering a passable sense of enthusiasm for the material." This sentiment aligns with the audience's appreciation for its comfort and predictability, reinforcing the idea that sometimes, a familiar story is exactly what viewers are looking for, even if critics want more.

The Emotional Connection of Cars: Diane and Marge's Role

Beyond the human protagonists, two vehicles play a significant emotional role in Maintenance Required: Charlie's vintage Ford Bronco, Marge, and Beau's vintage Ford Bronco, Diane. These cars are more than just plot devices; they are symbols of their owners' passions and inheritances.

Marge, the vintage car Charlie and her late father were meant to fix together, represents her emotional tie to her family's legacy and her chosen profession. Diane, Beau's project car, signifies his personal dreams and aspirations, often in contrast to his corporate job.

Their shared love for these specific vehicles, often discussed in their online forum chats, initially brings Charlie and Beau together. However, it is also a car, Diane, that ultimately reveals Beau's true identity to Charlie, causing a major rift due to the perceived betrayal and trust issues. Ultimately, both Marge and Diane serve as catalysts, bringing the rivals together and pulling them apart, before finally helping to reconcile their love story at the film's conclusion.

Final Verdict: Should You Stream Maintenance Required on Prime Video?

Maintenance Required is a movie that knows exactly what it is: a cozy, if unoriginal, romantic comedy. It delivers a familiar formula that feels like a greatest-hits compilation of rom-com tropes. While critics largely found it to be predictable, plastic, and riddled with inconsistencies, its rapid climb up Prime Video's charts suggests it resonated with a significant audience.

If you are a fan of traditional rom-coms and are looking for a light, brainless joyride that requires minimal emotional investment, then Maintenance Required will likely hit the spot. The easy chemistry between Madelaine Petsch and Jacob Scipio, coupled with some genuinely lighthearted humor, makes the predictable journey surprisingly watchable. You can expect to roll your eyes at times, particularly at the dialogue and plot contrivances, but the overall experience is designed for comfort.

However, if you seek originality, sharp wit, or a deep, thought-provoking narrative, this film might frustrate you. It does not challenge the genre or offer fresh perspectives, often feeling more like an algorithmically generated romance than a crafted story.

Ultimately, Maintenance Required is for those who enjoy the simple pleasure of a well-trodden romantic path. It’s an easy, turn-your-brain-off watch that aims to uplift and inspire in its own predictable way.

Where to Stream Maintenance Required

The new rom-com Maintenance Required is an Amazon original movie, streaming exclusively for Prime Video members. You can start a 30-day Amazon Prime free trial, which includes Prime Video access, free two-day shipping, and other benefits. After the trial, Amazon Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year.

Additionally, 18- to 24-year-olds are eligible for a discounted Prime for Young Adults membership. After a six-month free trial, this costs $7.49 per month for up to six years, offering significant savings.

Stream Maintenance Required on Prime Video now.

Image via Prime Video