When stuck in close proximity
With someone of the other sex,
There’s always possibility
That you-know-what will follow next.

It all depends on what you’ve got,
Your vibes and personalities…
Or if your partner’s super hot
And not one for formalities.

When paired with only time and us,
What follows is on fate and luck:
We just might hate each other’s guts
Or find the joy in being stuck.
___________________

Rating: TV-MA (likely a strong PG-13 for sex and some language)

I have come to set my expectations low when it comes to streaming-only romance films, which so often end up as little more than Hallmark wannabes. So it was a pleasant surprise to find If You Were the Last is a real winner, if only you have a Peacock subscription. Joining the ranks of films about astronauts stranded in space, even directly referencing The Martian, the film thrives on the natural chemistry between Adam (Anthony Mackie) and Jane (Zoȅ Chao).

The leading pair are the only survivors of a botched space mission that left their ship stranded in orbit around Saturn. Three years have passed as they attempt to fix the navigation computer while maintaining their life support and food supply, and their friendly professional rapport has gradually warmed into deep fondness and quite possibly more. They eventually chat frankly about the reasons for and against a sexual relationship, such as the fact they are married but also likely never to be rescued, and the lines between survival and love become harder to define with time.

Mackie and Chao have charm to spare, and Angela Bourassa’s script effortlessly allows their complementary personalities to bounce off each other in the repartee, like their commentary on certain movies. And while their cute behavior can sometimes seem too flippant given their plight, it’s clearly necessary as a way to deal with monotony and despair. In some ways, their ship seems comfortably prepared with food and entertainment for an extended stay, but things worsen gradually in ways which simply can’t be rectified, such as the death of their only goat or the corruption of a beloved music file. The future is not guaranteed, so how should the time remaining be spent?

Even so, this is not a deeply serious take on space isolation, as evidenced by the charming diorama-style depiction of their ship in space rather than more realistic effects. But it hits a likable balance of tones, boasting a unique scenario that allows two people to bond over their close proximity and shared stakes and see just how much they need each other. It’s a shame If You Were the Last is behind a single subscription barrier because it’s a rom-com deserving of wider appreciation.

Rank:  List Runner-Up

© 2026 S.G. Liput
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