The Good Half Movie Review: A Touching Exploration of Grief & Family Bonds
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Read our in-depth review of The Good Half (2023), starring Nick Jonas and Brittany Snow. Discover why this heartfelt dramedy about loss and reconciliation is worth watching.
Overview
Title: The Good Half
Release Year: 2023
Genre: Drama, Comedy-Drama
Director: Robert Schwartzman
Starring: Nick Jonas, Brittany Snow, Alexandra Shipp, David Arquette, Elizabeth Shue
Runtime: 1h 39m
Where to Watch: Available on VOD (Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play)
Plot Summary
The Good Half follows Renn Wheeland (Nick Jonas), a struggling writer who returns home to Cleveland after his mother’s sudden death. As he reconnects with his estranged family—including his father (David Arquette), sister (Brittany Snow), and stepmother (Elizabeth Shue)—Renn navigates grief, unresolved conflicts, and unexpected romance with a free-spirited woman (Alexandra Shipp).
The film blends dry humor and emotional depth, portraying grief not as a linear process but as a messy, sometimes absurd journey.
Review & Analysis
⭐ Strengths
✅ Nick Jonas’ Surprising Performance – Jonas delivers his most mature acting yet, balancing deadpan humor and raw vulnerability.
✅ Balanced Tone – The script avoids melodrama, mixing wit with genuine emotion.
✅ Strong Supporting Cast – Brittany Snow and David Arquette add depth to the family dynamic.
✅ Relatable Themes – Explores grief, sibling rivalry, and second chances realistically.
⚠️ Weaknesses
❌ Pacing Issues – Some scenes drag, making the middle act feel sluggish.
❌ Predictable Moments – A few plot points follow conventional indie-drama tropes.
❌ Underdeveloped Romance – Renn’s relationship with Alexandra Shipp’s character feels rushed.
Performances Breakdown
| Actor | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Jonas | Renn Wheeland | Surprisingly nuanced—his best dramatic role yet. |
| Brittany Snow | Renn’s sister | Brings warmth and sharp humor to sibling dynamics. |
| David Arquette | Renn’s father | A standout—heartbreaking and funny. |
| Alexandra Shipp | Love interest | Charming but underused. |
Themes & Takeaways
-
Grief Isn’t Linear – The film shows mourning as chaotic, sometimes even funny.
-
Family Tensions – Examines how loss forces buried conflicts to the surface.
-
Self-Discovery – Renn’s journey is as much about finding himself as coping with loss.
Who Will Enjoy This Movie?
✔️ Fans of indie dramedies (The Skeleton Twins, Manchester by the Sea)
✔️ Viewers who like character-driven stories over fast-paced plots
✔️ Nick Jonas followers curious about his dramatic range
Final Verdict
🎬 Rating: 7.5/10 – The Good Half is a solid, heartfelt film with strong performances and a refreshingly honest take on grief. While not groundbreaking, it’s a moving watch with enough humor to balance its heavier themes.
Best For: A quiet night in when you want something thoughtful but not overly depressing.
Where to Watch
📌 Streaming: Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play
📌 Rent/Buy: 4.99–14.99 (Varies by platform)
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Final Thought:
The Good Half won’t redefine cinema, but it’s a well-acted, emotionally authentic story that resonates—especially for anyone who’s experienced loss. Give it a chance if you enjoy bittersweet character studies.
Would you watch The Good Half? Let us know in the comments! 🎥