Film Review - Goodrich
Images courtesy of Rialto Distribution.
Michael Keaton has remained one of Hollywood’s most prolific actors since the 1980s. Whether he’s playing Batman, Beetlejuice or Birdman, Keaton is a king of versatility and knows how to disappear into any role. It’s 2024, and he still continues to delight and surprise as a performer, exhibited in his heartwarming turn in the new comedic drama, Goodrich.
Andy Goodrich (Keaton) is an art dealer and workaholic. His life is turned upside down when his younger wife, Naomi (Laura Benanti), leaves him and checks into a ninety-day rehab program. However, Andy has been so caught up in his work and absent from home that he never even realised Naomi had a drug problem. He is forced to step up and take care of their nine-year-old twins, Billie (Vivien Lyra Blair) and Mose (Jacob Kopera), and struggles to acclimatise to the demands of being a proper parent. His older daughter from his previous marriage, Grace (Mila Kunis), is also pregnant, and Andy leans on her for support. Soon, he begins to embrace parenthood and becomes the father that Grace never had.
Goodrich is a film with an intention that isn't quite clear at first. In its first twenty or so minutes, the narrative lacks focus and it is difficult to pinpoint what is trying to be achieved. Luckily, it eventually finds its stride and turns into a sweet and moving slice-of-life dramedy about the complexity of family and parenthood. Viewers may draw similarities between Goodrich and Keaton’s ‘80s comedy Mr. Mom, in which he plays Jack, who becomes a stay-at-home-dad while his wife returns to the workforce. However, there is something utterly more poignant, authentic and mature about Goodrich. While the film takes a gentle approach and has comedic moments, it leans more towards the emotional weight of parenthood and having a family. Through Andy’s journey towards becoming a better dad, the film explores themes around balancing work and family, deciding your priorities as a parent, and the importance of being there for your children. While he steps up for Billie and Mose, Grace has to watch and deal with the fact that she never had that growing up. In saying this, Andy also steps up for Grace, with the film examining the relationship between a parent and their adult child versus a younger child. Keaton is as good as ever, superbly balancing the emotional and comedic complexity of the role. He’s so believable, and even though Andy may not be winning any father of the year awards, you can’t help but root for him. Kunis provides a strong supporting turn and bounces off of Keaton quite nicely. They are able to build an authentic on screen relationship and develop their characters effectively as a result.
Goodrich may not be particularly groundbreaking, and there are definitely other slightly better movies out there like it. However, it’s so endearing that it is impossible not to be charmed, with Keaton being the pièce de résistance.
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Goodrich is screening in select cinemas now. For tickets and more info, click here.