From Jeremy Kibler

At first, The Good Half sounds like every Sundance indie that proves one can never go home again. Director Robert Schwartzman and writer Brett Ryland, both having experienced deaths of a parent to cancer like their protagonist, give their well-assembled cast so many honest and compassionate notes that any familiarity felt with the material is forgotten. This is a bittersweet, affecting gem.

Putting aside the baggage of being a handsome triple-platinum recording artist, Nick Jonas leads the way as Renn, a 28-year-old Los Angeles writer who has just lost his mother, Lily (Elisabeth Shue), to cancer. He’s also not very happy in his current job, but Renn is back home in Cleveland to be with his family even under not-so-happy circumstances. His divorced dad (Matt Walsh) just wants to connect with his son, and Renn’s older sister Leigh (Brittany Snow) has a schedule for them to follow, like picking out the right casket. Renn hasn’t quite found his own way to say goodbye to his mother, but that’s what his time home is for, right?

On his flight home, Renn meets a therapist named Zoey (Alexandra Shipp), and while she’s in town for a work conference, they hang out. The Renn-Zoey relationship might feel a little wedged-in, but both Jonas and the always-radiant Shipp bring an immediate spark to their meet-cute on the airport and every meet-up thereafter (Zoey’s love for Michael Bay films and ‘90s action films in general is cute).

The Good Half opens with a flashback of a young Renn (Mason Cufari) being mad at his mother for losing him in the store. She pinky promises him that she’ll never leave him, and then this scene poignantly cuts to present-day Renn getting the news of his mom passing away. Though Lily is gone, Elisabeth Shue makes such a warm, vivacious impression that she hovers over the proceedings, and editor Chris Donlon keeps her alive when the past is expertly timed to collide with the present. 

If Nick Jonas wants a serious acting career where he gets to be the lead, this is a strong start. Jonas is quite good as Renn, who uses his surly attitude and sarcasm as a coping mechanism, navigating the dramatic demands with enough room for levity. For being such a superstar, Jonas does mesh well with the rest of the cast, particularly a wonderful Brittany Snow as Leigh, who only seems strong on the outside. Everyone else gets time to shine, too, including David Arquette, who could have easily been pigeonholed as Renn and Leigh’s stepdad Rick but receives just enough grace notes. 

A slice of life that’s based more in character than plot, The Good Half is naturally humored and cathartic without being depressing. It’s not the first or last word on loss, but here’s a film that wisely understands processing grief actually takes time and doesn’t get all wrapped up in 90 minutes.

Rating: 3.5/5

The Good Half hits select theaters on August 16th, 2024.

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