Movies like Roommates make me so happy I never went to university in America. The idea of being thrown into a lottery and not knowing who you’ll be sharing a room with for an entire year sends shivers down my spine. Sure, you have to share a flat with people you don’t know in the UK, but at least if you’re feeling anti-social you can still have your own space. From the outset, Netflix’s latest film Roommates sets out to show both the best and worst case scenario of what that lottery can look like.

Following a wildly dramatic dorm argument between Luna (Storm Reid) and Auguste (Ivy Wolk) that costs the life of a poor delivery robot, college dean Dr Schilling (Sarah Sherman) tries to diffuse the situation with the story of Devon (Sadie Sandler) and Celeste (Chloe East), told through a series of extended flashbacks.

On the surface, Devon and Celeste are polar opposites. Devon is the friendless, dorky type, while Celeste is the ultra-popular girl everyone wants to know. Naturally, the pair strike up an unlikely close friendship after being assigned as roommates, at least until things begin to unravel when Devon starts to realise what kind of person Celeste really is.

Brought to the screen by director Chandler Levack from a script by Jimmy Fowlie and Ceara O’Sullivan, Roommates follows the tried and tested coming-of-age formula. This new friendship goes through its peaks and troughs, while Devon’s love-hate dynamic with Celeste slowly unravels. Much of it is entirely predictable, but it remains very easy to consume.

Produced by Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison, you’d be forgiven for expecting Roommates to commit more fully to being a black comedy like many of the studio’s other films, particularly with subject matter that could easily support it. However, it very much feels as though Roommates is restricted by its rating in that regard. There is a case to be made that some comic potential is left untapped, as it could have leaned further into that side and been more enjoyable overall. Instead, the more teen-friendly jokes begin to feel a little tiresome.

Sadie Sandler and Chloe East’s chemistry is by far the most enjoyable aspect of Roommates. The pair play off each other really well and, given the lack of real depth in the script, manage to elevate the material they are given. Their friendship feels genuine on screen, which is a testament to both performances.

The strong supporting cast are surprisingly all committed, which is not always the case with Netflix films like this. Sandler’s parents, played by Nick Kroll and Natasha Lyonne, make the most of every second despite their relatively limited screen time, as does her brother, played by Aidan Langford. Billy Bryk, as the film’s love interest, is another enjoyable presence in what proves to be a solid outing.

Undoubtedly, Roommates takes a while to hit its stride and feels bloated at times, but there are some really fun elements that, as well as being relatable, are bound to please crowds. As Netflix films go, and particularly Happy Madison productions of late, you could do a lot worse than watching Roommates. Well worth the time this weekend.