Would you put your career on the line for the greatest love of your life? That’s the existential question Gabrielle Union faces as Jenna Jones in The Perfect Find, a new romantic comedy directed by Numa Perrier. 

What’s The Perfect Find about?

A year after star fashion editor Jenna left New York on the heels of a very public breakup and career implosion, she’s back and looking for a fresh start at Darzine, headed by her former rival Darcy Hill (Gina Torres). One thing that isn’t on her radar? A love affair with a younger man. But that’s exactly what she finds when Eric (Keith Powers) strolls into her life. Did we mention he’s her boss’s son? Suddenly, Jenna starts to question what she really wants from this next phase in her life, as she juggles a meteoric career comeback and a relationship that could throw it all in jeopardy.

That timeless dilemma is what initially drew Perrier to the story. “Jenna is going through a work and love upheaval and trying to figure out her next chapter, and I was literally going through the exact same thing,” she tells Tudum. “I felt like I was her in a way. I really related to the idea of trying to figure out what your next step is when you feel broken, you’re trying to put yourself back together. And then I really wanted to make a great classic, amazing rom-com.”

With its fabulous outfits, daring production design and references and winks to Hollywood classics such as Roman Holiday, Carmen Jones and Mahogany, The Perfect Find builds on its vintage legacy. “We’re trying to do something that’s classic but also fresh,” Perrier says. “100% romance, 100% comedy, 100% honesty and rawness and sensuality. I want to go all the way with everything.”

Is The Perfect Find based on a book?

Yes. The film is based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Tia Williams. 

Where can I watch the trailer for The Perfect Find?

Right here! But get ready: the chemistry between Union and Powers should come with a warning label.

Who is in the cast of The Perfect Find?

Union and Powers star alongside Aisha Hinds, D.B. Woodside, Janet Hubert, La La Anthony and Gina Torres. 

“I think that we’re seeing her in a softer way,” Perrier says about what fans can expect from Union’s performance. “When I first met with Gab, she told me, ‘I don’t want to make a film like all the films I’ve already made.’ We know and love all of those films and she’s an icon, but she wanted to really open up more. That’s where all that good stuff is. That’s where you will do something that is really remarkable.”

The classic rom-com couple is a meeting of equals, so finding the right person to play off of Union’s charisma was priority number one for the director. Still, even she was impressed by the sparks flying between Union and Powers. “They had that electricity off the jump,” Perrier says. “When we had our first table read, everyone was just like, ‘Whoa.’ ” 

Gabrielle Union as Jenna, La La Anthony as Elodie and Aisha Hinds as Billie in The Perfect Find.

Perrier and the cast talked constantly about the level of intimacy and vulnerability needed for the central relationship to feel as high stakes as possible. “Every look has to have that longing, every kiss has to have those fireworks in it,” she says. “It was a dazzling thing to be able to work with two actors who have that naturally, but then were also willing to really get in there and milk it. Their chemistry is the heart of the film.”

It was equally important that the rest of the film’s world feel equally vivid. Enter the incredible supporting cast. Torres is a scene-stealer as Eric’s mom and Darzine e-zine founder Darcy Hill. “She’s so magnetic, she lights up every room,” Perrier says. “We wanted her to just be an absolute New York fashion woman who’s bold and unapologetic and takes up all the space in the room. That’s who Gina Torres is. We don’t get to see her like that a lot because she plays very buttoned-up characters, but she really got to let go in the role of Darcy.”

Perrier is similarly full of praise for Hinds and Anthony, who play Billie and Elodie, Jenna’s best friends and chosen family. “The three of them together, you feel like these are friends that have known each other and are supporting each other through every good and bad decision that they’ve made,” she says. “You feel that realness.”

When is the release date for The Perfect Find?

The Perfect Find streams on Netflix on June 23. Get ready for a roller coaster of emotions. “Rom-coms are back!” Perrier teases. “This is the movie. You’re going to laugh, you’re going to cry and… it is very sexy. We will have our chemistry, we will have our sensuality, we will have all the things.”

Director Numa Perrier on the set of The Perfect Find.

Listen to Gabrielle Union on Skip Intro 

In a new episode of the Skip Intro podcast, Union tells host Krista Smith what initially drew her to the project as an actor and producer. “I loved how honestly Tia [Williams] described what it is to be a woman of a certain age who experiences a setback, not of her own doing, and how she has to pick herself up and pivot,” Union said. Tune into the interview to hear the star reflect on her impressive Hollywood career and why she so strongly relates to finding the balance Jenna Jones seeks. 

What can I watch after The Perfect Find?

If it’s a rom-com you seek, follow your heart and fall in love with these recommendations.