A significant downside to human existence is the length of time spent in a chronic state of anxiety. Are we making the right choices to maximize our abilities? Is it too late to embark on new adventures or revisit old ones? These questions that resonate with many people are central themes in writer-director Michael J. Weithorn’s low-key comedy-drama “The Best You Can.” Although it may not offer fresh insights about aging, the film seems authentic and relatable, echoing thoughts we have often pondered before.
To be honest, it’s not entirely the movie’s fault if it doesn’t provide a fresh answer to the age-old question, “How did old age seem to approach so swiftly?” Each person has their own perspective on what ‘old’ truly means. However, I must acknowledge and appreciate the rich, lived-in details that Weithorn skillfully crafts. This authenticity seems to bubble up naturally, largely due to the genuine chemistry of the real-life couple Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon, who grace the screen in “The Best You Can.” Over two decades since their last co-starring projects (“The Woodsman” and “Cavedweller”), these seasoned actors once again prove why their presence on screen is a delight. Their collaboration is something truly special and worth cherishing.
Fortunately, Sedgwick and Bacon don’t solely rely on their comfortable camaraderie, but instead breathe authenticity into their roles, despite the somewhat contrived circumstances that bring them together. Sedgwick portrays Cynthia, a prosperous and seasoned New York urologist in her 50s, who is married to someone significantly older, with genuine sincerity. Her “older than most” (as she refers to him in one scene) husband is Warren, played by the talented Judd Hirsch, a brilliant octogenarian who once prosecuted Watergate but is now on the brink of dementia.
At the start of the movie, Cynthia seems to be expressing regret as she discusses their age difference during a private dinner, when Warren momentarily steps away. When they initially met, this detail was irrelevant; it simply felt right. However, upon Warren’s return and his subsequent confusion about seating, Cynthia doesn’t need to vocalize the fact that she’s grappling with a harsh truth – the awareness that her spouse’s lifespan is likely to be significantly shorter than hers is slowly dawning on her.
In my perspective, I step into the scene as Stan, a laid-back private security guard on a quest to rekindle my relationship with my gifted daughter Sammi, portrayed brilliantly by Brittany O’Grady. My life is rather simple, dotted here and there with fleeting moments shared with CJ (Olivia Luccardi), who adds charm and depth to every scene she’s in.
One fateful day, I cross paths with the lovely Cynthia, perhaps even sharing a charming encounter, when I thwart a robbery at her grand Brooklyn home. Coincidentally, I’ve been grappling with an enlarged prostate issue. Isn’t it funny how life works out sometimes? I might have just saved a urologist from an unexpected predicament. It’s all a bit far-fetched, but the actors breathe life into the quirky plot twists (and the awkwardness of the subsequent medical examinations) with their humor and compassion.
The bond between Cynthia and Stan, both dog enthusiasts, unfolds through late-night chats and occasional phone calls. They share intimate aspects of their lives, making their connection feel authentic and endearing. Weithorn’s text conversations capture the natural flow of their friendship, earning our empathy and making us root for them. Unfortunately, a misdirected message from Cynthia momentarily disrupts their growing camaraderie. Despite their maturity, it seems strange when they struggle to resolve a minor misunderstanding, which at times feels like more than just a friendly relationship.
Fortunately, Weithorn skillfully handles the introduction of Warren’s anxious daughter Rosemary, played by Heather Burns, over moving her father to a Cleveland facility where she resides. In contrast, Pramila (Meera Rohit Kumbhani) takes care of Warren and feigns being his research assistant for a Watergate book. Meanwhile, Cynthia decides to visit the Cleveland facility. A journey and an unexpected wedding party attendance bring Stan and Cynthia romantically closer. It’s worth mentioning that Sedgwick and Bacon beautifully convey a tender intimacy in their private moments. As they let loose and escape from their personal highs and lows, Weithorn portrays the pair with charm and appeal, before reality once again reasserts itself.
Wrapping up with delightful musical sequences between Stan and Sammi and a warm ambiance throughout, “The Best You Can” ends on an affirming and reassuring note about the incredible capabilities of the human mind, along with the small, unforeseen discoveries life can present at any stage. While it’s not groundbreaking — sometimes, the greatest gift a good movie offers isn’t novelty but comfort.
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2025-06-10 10:46