Jennifer Lopez recently appeared on Brett Goldstein’s popular podcast, “Films to Be Buried With,” where she opened up about the films that have had a significant emotional impact on her life. The conversation, which took place prior to the release of their joint romantic comedy “Office Romance,” revealed Lopez’s sentimental side, particularly highlighting the film that moved her the most: “The Notebook.”
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During the episode recorded on June 10, Goldstein, known for his role in “Ted Lasso,” posed a poignant question to Lopez: “What’s the film that made you cry the most? Are you a cryer?” Without hesitation, Lopez responded with the title of the 2004 romantic drama. Goldstein quickly retorted, “No further questions,” to which Lopez agreed, acknowledging the film’s profound emotional resonance, stating, “Everybody knows why. I don’t need to explain it.”
“The Notebook,” directed by Nick Cassavetes and based on Nicholas Sparks’ 1996 novel, features heart-wrenching performances from Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as young lovers navigating the tumultuous waters of romance in the 1940s. Lopez shared that certain scenes from the film evoke such strong emotions in her that she often finds herself near tears just thinking about them.
One particularly touching moment Lopez recalled was when the older version of Gosling’s character, portrayed by James Garner, is confronted by his children about the dementia afflicting the older incarnation of McAdams’ character, played by Gena Rowlands. “He goes, ‘That’s my girl in there,’” she remembered, her voice tinged with emotion. Additionally, she described how deeply she felt the scene where he lies down next to her. “I just sobbed when he got into bed with her,” she explained. “I thought there’s nothing more romantic.”
Lopez reflected on what makes the film so special, articulating a universal desire for a deep connection with a partner. She remarked, “I feel like it’s what everybody in their mind really wants, is to have that type of connection with a person and to love someone that deeply that you just can’t imagine your life without them.”
Aside from discussing “The Notebook,” Lopez shared her fascination with a range of other films, spanning several decades. Among these were the 1961 classic “West Side Story,” the iconic 1983 dance movie “Flashdance,” and the 1993 Quentin Tarantino-penned “True Romance.” She also mentioned more contemporary selections like “Nomadland,” which won multiple awards at the 2021 Oscars, and the upcoming film “I’m Still Here,” scheduled for release in 2024.
Despite her extensive cinematic palate, Lopez confessed that horror films are not her cup of tea, although she made an exception for the 2025 release “Together.”
The highly anticipated “Office Romance” is now available for streaming on Netflix. The film, co-written by Goldstein and Joe Kelly, is expected to blend humour with the romance audiences have come to expect from both stars. Their collaborative effort is likely to draw viewers looking for laughter and love in equal measure.
“Films to Be Buried With,” the podcast that showcases Goldstein’s trademark blend of humour and heartfelt storytelling, continues to air new episodes weekly on Wednesdays. The candid discussions often bring out personal anecdotes and emotional insights from guests, making it a cherished platform for film aficionados and casual viewers alike.
Through this heartfelt exchange, Lopez’s reflections on “The Notebook” underline the timeless appeal of romantic storytelling, tapping into deep-seated feelings and the longing for true connection, reminding us of the powerful emotions that film can capture.