If you're a sucker for forbidden romance, emotional tension, and a healthy dose of "what if?" then The One That Got Away delivers a satisfying, if slightly dramatic, ride. Marc Hermann and Sarah Brooks have surprising chemistry as Adrian and Anna - two former college lovers who parted ways after a whirlwind affair, only to be pulled back into each other's orbit 12 years later.
Anna (Brooks) is stuck in a cold, crumbling marriage with a husband who's not only emotionally distant but also physically unfaithful with his secretary. When Adrian (Hermann), now a touring musician, returns to town and reaches out, her carefully built walls start to crack. There's guilt, hesitation, and a lot of unresolved passion simmering just under the surface.
The turning point comes when Anna discovers her husband's betrayal. Still unsure, she blocks Adrian, determined to stay in her marriage - until her husband's mistress ruins what was supposed to be a fresh start. Cue the solo concert attendance, where Anna's world collides once again with Adrian's - as he's revealed to be the lead singer on stage. It's a real "whoa" moment that hits all the right romantic beats.
Marc Hermann's usual rugged appeal is slightly dulled by a questionable dyed hair look (seriously, who approved that?), but make no mistake - the man still oozes smoldering energy and gives the impression he knows exactly how to treat a woman. Sarah Brooks plays Anna with a blend of fragility and determination that makes you root for her happiness.
The film isn't without its melodramatic moments, but if you lean into the genre, it works. The pacing drags a bit in the middle, and some dialogue veers into soap opera territory, but it's worth it for the emotionally charged reunion and the payoff in the final act.
Bottom line: The One That Got Away is a steamy, emotionally-driven romance that hits familiar notes with sincerity. Watch it for the tension, the music, and the question every viewer will ask themselves: What if you got a second chance with the love you never forgot?
