A few months ago, most of us had never heard of The Lost Husband, and now we're all wondering if there will be a sequel! It's all part of the romantic drama's unexpected arc from tiny unknown title to surprise summer favorite. The circumstances that made the movie a hit, though, might not work for lightning to strike twice.

The movie's success has been, in large part, due to the unique demands of the Covid-19 era, when audiences are looking for two specific things in particular: entertainment they can watch at home, and entertainment that's perhaps a little more comforting than usual. The Lost Husband checks both those boxes. It was first released as a VOD title back in April, at the beginning of major shutdowns, then acquired by Netflix. It started streaming there in August, giving it ideal timing to reach audiences at home. Plus, with its small-town, slightly weepy,...