Star Shipped

Television costars Simon Devereaux and Charlie Blake find love and acceptance in this endearing if tonally muddled first contemporary from historical romance author Sebastian (We Could Be So Good). Simon suffers from undermanaged anxiety, OCD, and migraines and feels unfulfilled by his role on the sci-fi series Out There and frustrated by his strained, seven-year working relationship with Charlie. The pair unexpectedly bond, however, after Simon announces he’s leaving the show: first, during a dual-purpose road trip to generate good press for Simon’s final season and check on Charlie’s ex-boss/father figure, Dave, and later over text, chatting about fantasy novels and a watch-along of Out There. Sebastian peppers their gentle, slow-burning romance with plenty of adorable moments, including a feud over blueberry muffins and the hijinks of Simon’s pet dog, and infuses the tale with a palpable love for genre television. Unfortunately, heavier topics, including familial neglect, Charlie’s history of addiction, and harassment on set, feel somewhat short-changed by Simon’s snarky narration and Sebastian’s commitment to keeping the vibe cozy. For the most part, however, this low-stakes, trope-filled contemporary is good fun. (Mar.)