Let's be real. We’ve all been there—that post-breakup phase where you convince yourself that if you just pull away, they’ll realize what they’re missing and come crawling back. It’s a classic move. In the 2017 flick Love's Last Resort, Chloe (played by Alix Angelis) takes this "tactical retreat" to a whole new level of disaster.
She dumps her boyfriend of ten years, Eric, because the guy just won't grow up. She figures six months of her absence will turn him into a man. Spoiler alert: It doesn't. Instead, he gets engaged to someone else. Honestly, if that isn't a wake-up call from the universe, I don't know what is.
But then the movie takes that awkward "running into your ex" trope and cranks it up to eleven. Chloe goes on a solo vacation to clear her head, only to find Eric—and his new fiancée, Alyssa—getting married at the exact same resort. Talk about a vacation from hell.
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The Plot: Jealousy, Fake Dating, and Resort Managers
So, what do you do when your ex is getting hitched right in front of your face? If you're Chloe, you don't just leave. No, you hire the resort manager to be your fake boyfriend.
Thomas Beaudoin plays Hunter, the manager who agrees to this madness. The plan is basic: make Eric jealous. Make him realize he made a mistake. It's the kind of logic that only exists in rom-coms and 3:00 AM "should I text him?" thoughts.
The dynamic between the three is where the movie gets its juice:
- Chloe (Alix Angelis): Driven, a bit delusional about her "plan," but ultimately looking for something real.
- Eric (Jesse Hutch): The ex who actually did grow up, just not for the person who waited ten years for it.
- Hunter (Thomas Beaudoin): The grounding force who, unsurprisingly, starts to catch real feelings.
The movie deals with that specific sting of seeing someone you "built" finally becoming the person you wanted them to be, but for someone else. It's painful. Jesse Hutch plays Eric with just enough likability that you don't totally hate him for moving on, even if the timing is legendary-tier bad.
A Bittersweet Appearance by Alan Thicke
One of the more poignant things about Love's Last Resort is seeing Alan Thicke on screen. He plays a character named Henry (sometimes credited as Paul Roberts in certain listings). For those who grew up watching Growing Pains, seeing him here is a bit of a gut punch. This was one of his final roles before he passed away in late 2016, and the movie was released posthumously in 2017.
He brings that classic, warm energy that only he could. It adds a layer of nostalgia to a film that is otherwise a lighthearted romp about bad timing and tropical drinks.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Ending
People often expect these movies to end with the original couple realizing they belong together. You know the drill—the "stop the wedding" scene. But Love's Last Resort actually handles it with a bit more maturity than you’d think.
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The "fake dating" trope works here because it forces Chloe to look at what she actually wants. Is she in love with Eric, or is she just in love with the ten years she "invested" in him? Sunk cost fallacy is a real thing, even in romance.
By the time the credits roll, the movie shifts from being about "winning back the ex" to "moving on with someone who actually sees you." Hunter isn't just a prop; he's the guy who's actually there, not the ghost of a decade-long relationship that wasn't working.
Key Facts and Production Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | Brian Herzlinger |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| Runtime | 86 Minutes |
| Lead Cast | Alix Angelis, Thomas Beaudoin, Jesse Hutch, April Bowlby |
| Streaming | Often found on UPtv, Hallmark-style platforms, or Amazon |
Director Brian Herzlinger (the guy behind My Date with Drew) knows how to pace these stories. It’s not a high-budget blockbuster, and it doesn't pretend to be. It’s a comfort watch. The cinematography by Garrett O'Brien makes the resort look like somewhere you’d actually want to be trapped with your ex, which helps.
Why We Keep Watching Movies Like This
Let's be honest, the "fake boyfriend" trope is a staple for a reason. It's safe. It's predictable. But Love's Last Resort works because the chemistry between Alix Angelis and Thomas Beaudoin feels surprisingly grounded.
There's a scene where they're just talking—not scheming, not trying to make Eric look over—and you can see the shift. It's that moment where the act becomes the reality.
If you're looking for a deep, philosophical exploration of the human condition, this isn't it. But if you want a movie that validates how messy breakups are and reminds you that sometimes the "last resort" is actually the best option, it hits the spot.
How to Watch and What to Look For
If you decide to queue this up, pay attention to April Bowlby (of Two and a Half Men and Doom Patrol fame) as Alyssa. She could have easily been the "villain" fiancée, but the movie plays it a bit softer. It makes the conflict internal for Chloe, which is much more relatable.
To get the most out of your viewing:
- Check UPtv or Hallmark: This movie frequently cycles through these networks.
- Watch for the Alan Thicke cameo: It's a lovely final nod to a TV legend.
- Don't skip the "jealousy" montages: They're peak 2010s rom-com energy.
Ultimately, Love's Last Resort is about the lesson we all eventually learn: you can't force someone to grow up on your timeline, and sometimes the person you're trying to impress isn't the person you're meant to be with.
If you're going through a "What if?" phase with an ex, watch this. It’ll remind you that sometimes the best thing an ex can do is stay an ex, so you can actually find the person who wants to be with you without a ten-year ultimatum.
The film stands as a solid entry in the "vacation romance" subgenre, proving that even a disastrous trip can lead to a decent destination if you’re willing to stop looking backward.