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Entertainment • Film

Love Again

Love Again is a 2023 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by James C.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Love Again is a 2023 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by James C. Strouse. Starring Priyanka Chopra, Sam Heughan, and Celine Dion in her first feature film role, the film is an English-language remake of the 2016 German film SMS für Dich. It was released in the United States on May 5, 2023, to generally negative reviews.

Plot

The film centres on Mira Ray, who sends romantic and emotional texts to her late fiancé’s old number. The number now belongs to Rob Burns, who begins a connection with her through the messages and later seeks help from Celine Dion.

Production

Love Again was written and directed by James C. Strouse. It was produced as a remake of SMS für Dich, adapting the earlier story into an English-language American film.

Cast

The principal cast includes Priyanka Chopra as Mira Ray, Sam Heughan as Rob Burns, and Celine Dion as herself. Supporting cast members include several other actors in roles connected to Mira and Rob's lives.

Release and reception

Sony Pictures Releasing distributed the film in the United States on May 5, 2023. The film later received mixed-to-negative critical response, with Rotten Tomatoes and Wikipedia both noting generally negative reviews.

Key facts

  • It is an English-language remake of the 2016 German film SMS für Dich.
  • The story follows Mira Ray, who texts her deceased fiancé’s old phone number while grieving his death.
  • The number has been reassigned to Rob Burns, who becomes drawn to the messages.
  • Celine Dion appears in her first feature film role, playing a fictionalized version of herself.
  • Reviews from critics were generally negative.
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Canadian context

The film features Canadian singer Celine Dion in her first feature film role, which gives it a notable Canadian connection for Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is Love Again about?
It follows a grieving woman who texts her deceased fiancé’s old phone number and becomes connected to the man who now has it.
Who directed Love Again?
James C. Strouse wrote and directed the film.
Who stars in Love Again?
Priyanka Chopra, Sam Heughan, and Celine Dion are the main stars.
Is Love Again based on another film or book?
Yes. It is an English-language remake of the 2016 German film SMS für Dich, which was based on a 2009 novel by Sofie Cramer.
When was Love Again released?
It was released in the United States on May 5, 2023.
What role does Celine Dion play?
She appears as a fictionalized version of herself in her first feature film role.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_Again_(2023_film)
    Supports: Basic film identification, director, cast, remake status, release date, and critical reception.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/love_again_2023
    Supports: Plot synopsis, director, distributor, genre, runtime, release date, and rating.
  3. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/81627351
    Supports: Plot synopsis and cast listing.
  4. Disney+ — https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-19dd4c55-54de-4704-827b-e11c31a18082
    Supports: Runtime, genre, director, starring cast, and plot synopsis.