Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick Shine in ‘The Best You Can’: A Heartfelt Dramedy
In the charming dramedy The Best You Can, Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick captivate audiences with their undeniable screen presence and impeccable comedic timing. Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival, this film presents a unique narrative about an unexpected friendship blossoming in middle age. While the performances are commendable and the premise is refreshing, the film occasionally stumbles into familiar comic tropes that dilute its emotional impact.
Directed and written by Michael J. Weithorn, a notable co-creator of The King of Queens, The Best You Can is a thoughtful exploration of relationships that, despite its unevenness, remains engaging throughout. The film primarily caters to a more relaxed audience, particularly older viewers looking for relatable storytelling.
Cast and Characters
Kyra Sedgwick stars as Cynthia, a devoted wife grappling with the decline of her brilliant husband, Warren (played by the ever-reliable Judd Hirsch). Once a member of the Watergate committee, Warren, now 83, is facing the challenges of dementia. Cynthia’s character initially comes across as overly animated and attempts to inject humor into her situation, especially during her first encounter with Stan, a security guard portrayed by Kevin Bacon. Stan is introduced with a classic comic trope—dealing with a prostate issue and finding himself in embarrassing situations.
The film’s humor becomes more nuanced as Cynthia and Stan’s friendship develops, often communicated through text messages delivered as voiceovers. As Cynthia opens up about her struggles with Warren’s condition, Stan shares his own challenges with his daughter, Sammi (Brittany O’Grady), a talented yet insecure singer-songwriter. This texting technique offers a refreshing narrative device, although some attempts at humor fall flat, such as an awkward remark about his ex-wife that feels forced.
A Journey of Friendship and Growth
Throughout the film, moments of genuine connection emerge between Cynthia and Stan, showcasing Sedgwick’s ability to convey Cynthia’s deep love for her husband and the loneliness that accompanies his illness. Bacon brings vibrancy to Stan, making audiences yearn for a deeper exploration of his character. The film wisely hints at romantic undertones without overshadowing the delicate nature of their friendship, and both actors skillfully navigate their roles, making their chemistry feel authentic.
The supporting cast enhances the film’s depth, particularly Brittany O’Grady, whose musical performances as Sammi add a rich layer to the story. The father-daughter dynamic is one of the film’s highlights, portraying Stan’s well-meaning yet misguided attempts to support his daughter. Additional characters, like Olivia Luccardi, who plays Stan’s younger love interest, and Ray Romano, who makes a brief yet memorable cameo as a doctor, contribute to the film’s humor and emotional moments.
Final Thoughts
While The Best You Can has its share of predictable plot points and comedic clichés, the film’s emotional core shines through, thanks in large part to the stellar performances of Bacon and Sedgwick. Their ability to deliver heartfelt monologues with naturalism adds depth to the narrative. Although the film could have benefited from more surprises and a stronger emotional resonance, it ultimately succeeds in portraying the complexities of friendship in the face of adversity.
In summary, The Best You Can is an entertaining watch that highlights the talents of its lead actors while addressing relatable themes of love, loss, and connection in middle age. It’s a film that, despite its flaws, remains enjoyable and resonates with audiences seeking heartfelt storytelling.
