Will Daugherty

Why Goodrich is the best film of 2024 Thanks to HBO Max, I had the privilege of this film being delivered to my living room. Goodrich is not a film I would typically seek out, but after loving Keaton’s past starring performances like Birdman and the Founder, I thought I would give it the time of day. The storyline of this dark comedy-meets-uplifting-self-discovery weaves the viewer through the common stresses of trying to balance a career with the needs of family. The constant confusion and two-forward-one-back roller coaster of progress for Keaton makes the adventure seem all too real. The viewer is constantly emphasizing with the protagonists as well as wishing that he would pay just a little more attention to those around him. He is a hero, but one still in need of refining. Keaton maintains the delicate balance firmly and elegantly. While Keaton’s performance is expected from such an incredible name, the real star of the show was Mila Kunis. Kunis’ and Keaton’s older-father and grown-daughter dynamic was beautiful, raw, heavy, and hilarious. I’ve never witnessed Kunis muster such a powerful emotional display. You could feel the pain of a daughter forgotten, the stress of a soon-to-be-mother preparing for a baby, and the slow understanding of a grown woman realizing that her father is human. Bravo to Hallie Myers-Shyer for some incredible writing and directing. I cannot wait to see what else she produces. Bravo to Goodrich.