In the early 2010s, the hashtag #relationshipgoals gained popularity on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, and peaked around June 2015. Prior to Pastor Michael Todd’s viral rise on YouTube and his reframing of “Relationship Goals” within a contemporary, faith-based context, the phrase was most commonly used to caption images of ostensibly perfect couples carefully curated snapshots of romantic idealism encountered while scrolling.
DeVon Franklin, CEO of Franklin Entertainment, is recognized with producing some of the most recent successful faith-based content, including this new film on Prime Video titled “Relationship Goals.” The narrative, based on Pastor Todd’s book “Relationship Goals,” stars Kelly Rowland as Leah Caldwell, a successful female showrunner at ‘Media Core’, and Method Man as Jarrett Roy, NBC’s prince of primetime. When the senior coordinator position becomes available, the ex-lovers turned rivals reunite. As competitors they must present the most compelling Valentine’s Day story possible, work collaboratively and determine who will be the next best senior producer.
Themes in Michael Todd’s book are crucial to this love tale. For some, his preaching approach is effective because he emphasizes how to prosper in love through faith. According to Leah, this is just another method of pandering to the public, “dusting off scriptures and dressing the Bible with some down go lingo,” and Jarret responds by defending it as “presenting the gospel in a progressive way-on YouTube.”
Beyond their professional reunion and a brief reference to infidelity, the film offers few convincing details about the depth or duration of their past relationship. As a result, the audience is left simply to observe who secures the job, who falls in love, and who ultimately “has it all,” rendering the romance overly saccharine and emotionally unearned.
Through its interwoven side stories of womanhood, including emotionally unexamined relationships, the disposability encouraged by dating apps, and the impulse to manufacture an “ideal” partner through rigid criteria, the film exposes the contradictions and anxieties shaping modern dating and friendship. While these themes are presented in an accessible and conversational manner, they are clearly targeted toward a young female audience.
Additionally, as a Christian film, Relationship Goals maintains a PG-13 rating and avoids explicit sexual content and profanity, positioning it as a safe and tasteful viewing option for audiences seeking faith-aligned entertainment. At the same time, its soundtrack, featuring artists such as Lizzo, Jodeci, Doechii, and Saweetie helps sustain a contemporary tone, allowing the film to remain culturally accessible and relatable. On the contrary, for a Christian film, Relationship Goals notably excludes Christian music from its soundtrack, a choice that ultimately dilutes the coherence of its message.
While musicians crossing into acting can be compelling, particularly when they possess a “triple-threat” appeal, the casting here feels uneven. Only a few years ago, Kelly Rowland was performing the chart-topping hit “Motivation,” and now the cameras are rolling on her as the central romantic interest in a faith-based film. Despite Rowland’s and Method’s star power, their chemistry is underdeveloped, often secondary to the film’s emphasis on Michael Todd’s persona and promoting his broader cultural and spiritual brand.
Ultimately, Relationship Goals feels like a lengthy promotional ad for Michael Todd and his church; the rom-com may even be short for commercial in this case. Due to its modest ambitions, Relationship Goals’ flaws tend to be less perplexing than they would be in a more ambitious romance. While largely forgettable, it nonetheless serves as a low-stakes Valentine’s Day viewing for audiences within the faith community.
