The Good Half (2023) – Full Movie Review, Plot, Cast & Where to Watch
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Looking for The Good Half movie details? Read our full review, including plot summary, cast, release date, and where to stream this emotional drama starring Nick Jonas.
What is The Good Half About?
The Good Half is a 2023 American drama film directed by Robert Schwartzman (The Unicorn). The movie follows Renn Wheeland (Nick Jonas), a struggling writer who returns home after his mother’s sudden death. As he reconnects with his estranged family, he confronts grief, unresolved relationships, and self-discovery.
Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 23, 2023 (Tribeca Film Festival) |
| Genre | Drama, Comedy-Drama |
| Director | Robert Schwartzman |
| Main Cast | Nick Jonas, Brittany Snow, Alexandra Shipp, David Arquette |
| Runtime | 1h 33m |
| Rating | Not Rated (Thematic elements, language) |
Full Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
After his mother’s passing, Renn Wheeland (Nick Jonas) reluctantly returns to Cleveland for her funeral. As he navigates tense family dynamics—including his father (David Arquette) and sisters—he also rekindles a complicated romance with an ex (Alexandra Shipp).
The film balances heartfelt drama with dry humor, exploring themes of:
✔ Grief & Loss – How Renn processes his mother’s death.
✔ Family Conflict – Estranged relationships with his father and sisters.
✔ Self-Reflection – His struggles as a writer and emotional walls.
Cast & Characters
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Nick Jonas | Renn Wheeland (Protagonist) |
| Brittany Snow | Sarah (Renn’s Sister) |
| Alexandra Shipp | Zelda (Renn’s Ex-Girlfriend) |
| David Arquette | Keith (Renn’s Father) |
| Elisabeth Shue | (Flashback Role) |
Nick Jonas delivers one of his best performances, moving beyond his pop-star persona into deeper dramatic territory.
Is The Good Half Worth Watching? – Review
👍 Pros
✔ Strong Acting – Nick Jonas and David Arquette shine.
✔ Emotional Depth – A realistic take on grief and family.
✔ Balanced Tone – Mixes sadness with subtle humor.
👎 Cons
❌ Slow Pacing – Some may find it too introspective.
❌ Predictable Moments – Follows indie drama tropes.
Verdict: 7.5/10 – A touching, well-acted drama for fans of character-driven stories.
Where to Watch The Good Half (2024 Streaming Status)
As of 2024, The Good Half is available on:
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Amazon Prime Video (Rent/Buy)
-
Apple TV+
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Google Play Movies
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VOD Platforms
(Check for free streaming on Peacock or Hulu later in 2024.)
Similar Movies You Might Like
If you enjoyed The Good Half, try:
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Manchester by the Sea (2016) – A deeper dive into grief.
-
The Skeleton Twins (2014) – Estranged siblings reunite.
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Palm Springs (2020) – Dark comedy about life and relationships.
Final Thoughts
The Good Half is a solid indie drama with standout performances, especially from Nick Jonas. While not groundbreaking, it’s a moving, relatable story about loss and family.
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