Haley Lu Richardson and Ben Hardy Star in Netflix’s “Love at First Sight”: A Comparison to the Book

Haley Lu Richardson and Ben Hardy take center stage in the latest romantic comedy sensation on Netflix, “Love at First Sight.” Adapted from Jennifer E. Smith’s bestselling 2012 novel, “The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight,” this film brings to life the beloved story that has captivated readers for years.

In the book, high school senior Hadley Sullivan narrowly misses her flight to London for her dad’s second wedding. Fate intervenes and she ends up sitting next to British college student Oliver, who is returning home for a funeral. Over the course of a single day, they forge a deep connection that explores the complexities of life and love. Netflix announced in April 2022 that Richardson and Hardy would portray Hadley and Oliver, respectively.

“Love at First Sight” premiered on Friday, September 15th, exclusively on Netflix. Fans of the book are eager to see how the film adaptation compares to its literary inspiration. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

1. Age Gaps

In the book, Hadley and Oliver are 17 and 18 years old, respectively. However, for the movie, their ages have been bumped up. Hadley is now 20, and Oliver is two years older at 22. This change allows for a slightly more mature portrayal of their characters on the big screen.

2. Descriptive Discrepancies

Die-hard book lovers may notice a few minor discrepancies in the film’s details. For example, Hadley’s bridesmaid dress is maroon in the movie instead of lavender, and the locations and venues of their respective events differ from the book. Additionally, in the novel, Hadley and Oliver are seated in row 18, with Oliver eventually switching to the middle seat to chat with Hadley. In the film, they are both seated in a luxurious business-class two-seater.

3. A New Addition

In the book, there is no narrator. However, the film introduces a role for Jameela Jamil, known for her work in “The Good Place.” Jamil appears in various scenes as different characters, providing a narrative voice to help drive the story forward.

4. Oliver’s Entire Backstory

Oliver’s character undergoes a significant change in the film adaptation. In the book, he is the youngest of three boys and estranged from his father, attending a funeral for his father’s sake. However, in the movie, Oliver only has one brother and has a close relationship with his happily married parents. The funeral becomes a “living memorial” for his mother, who is battling cancer. This alteration allows viewers to gain a deeper understanding of Oliver’s emotions and experiences, unlike the more one-dimensional portrayal in the novel.

5. Losing an Entire Character – or Two

In both the book and the movie, Hadley is upset with her dad, Andrew Sullivan, for leaving her family post-divorce. However, in the book, she leans on her mom, while the movie excludes Hadley’s mother completely. Also missing from the film is Hadley’s almost-stepfather, Harrison. Interestingly, the movie hints at Harrison through a subtle reference to Hadley’s fear of dentists, which is connected to his dental profession.

6. Inside the ‘Memorial’

The increased focus on Oliver in the movie allows fans to delve deeper into his life. One notable change is the inclusion of Oliver’s mom’s memorial, where Hadley and viewers get to meet his family. This alteration showcases Oliver’s vulnerabilities and emotions, offering a more well-rounded portrayal compared to the book.

7. A Dickensian Connection

Book Hadley and her dad share a strong bond over Charles Dickens and his novel “Our Mutual Friend.” This connection remains unchanged in the film adaptation, preserving a sweet and meaningful aspect of their relationship.

8. Ripped From the Page

Fans of the book will be delighted to see several exact lines and jokes replicated in the Netflix script. The film stays true to the source material, including the final scene’s dialogue when Oliver finally utters the complete book title.

9. A New Ending

The original novel concludes with Hadley and Oliver reuniting at the end of their whirlwind day. However, the film differs by providing a brief epilogue through Jamil’s character, giving fans a glimpse of where Hadley and Oliver end up long after the onscreen day ends.

“Love at First Sight” is currently available for streaming on Netflix, giving viewers the chance to experience this heartwarming and transformative love story. Whether you’re a fan of the book or new to the story, Richardson and Hardy’s performances are sure to leave a lasting impression.