The Good Halif movie storyline. The Good Half follows Ren Wheeland, a struggling writer who returns home to Cleveland for his mother’s funeral. While not an only child, Ren’s special bond with his mother, Lily, is evident from the start. On that flight, he meets Zoey, and has a conversation that blossoms into a delightful bond that balances the reality he encounters when he arrives and a rollercoaster of emotions.
The Good Half is a 2023 American comedy-drama film written by Brett Ryland, directed by Robert Schwartzman and starring Nick Jonas. The film premiered at the Tribeca Festival on June 8, 2023. It was released theatrically in the United States on July 23, 2024.
Nick Jonas stars as Renn, an emotionally distant writer who returns to his hometown of Cleveland for his beloved mother’s funeral, after having spent years successfully avoiding interactions with his high-strung sister (Brittany Snow), bumbling but well-meaning father (Matt Walsh), and untrustworthy step-father (David Arquette). While in town, he forges a new relationship with a charming, energetic stranger (Alexandra Shipp) who pushes him to realize that he can’t avoid conflict forever — with his family or within himself.
Screenwriter Brett Ryland cleverly constructs this intimate story by seamlessly weaving memories of Renn’s mother (Elisabeth Shue) into his journey as he confronts complex familial relationships with a refreshingly wry sense of humor — a reminder that grief and growth involve ups and downs, with pain and laughter along the way. An impressive directorial effort from Robert Schwartzman, featuring grounded and moving performances by a fantastic ensemble cast, this tender family dramedy offers an honest and nuanced approach to grief, regret, and healing.––Celeste Wong
Brett Ryland’s screenplay is open to putting the focus on both heart and humor. Rather than attempting to answer how an individual comes to terms with grief, Ryland’s script shines a light on the reality that there’s never an easy way to deal with said grief effectively executed through Renn, Darren, Leigh, and Rick. Each handles the death of Lily in their unique way while evoking the fantastic things she did and the impact she had throughout her life.
On the performance side, the ensemble is one of my favorites at the festival. Nick Jonas does a commendable job leading the film, capturing a version of mourning that effectively captures remorse and sadness. His chemistry with Alexandra Shipp was welcoming, and their interactions offered some of the film’s most touching and comical moments.
The Good Half is one of Tribeca 2023’s most successful outings. Schwartzman’s dramedy doesn’t attempt to answer questions on how to grieve but leaves cinephiles with an understanding that not all suffering looks the same.
The Good Half (2024)
Directed by: Robert Schwartzman
Starring: Nick Jonas, Brittany Snow, David Arquette, Alexandra Shipp, Matt Walsh, Elisabeth Shue, Evangeline Johns, Sophia Bui, Ryan Bergara, Mimi Gianopulos, Shannon Gannon, Nora Harriet
Screenplay by: Brett Ryland
Production Design by: Nick Faiella
Cinematography by: Michael Rizzi
Film Editing by: Chris Donlon
Costume Design by: Sarah Maiorino
Set Decoration by: Casey Adams
Art Direction by: Kevin Cabello
Music by: William Schwartzman
MPAA Rating: None.
Distributed by: Utopia
Release Date: June 8, 2023 (Tribeca Film Festival), July 23, 2024 (United States)
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