The Good Half (2024)

2 1/2 Stars (out of 4)

Taking the 'Fun' Out of 'Funeral'

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Robert Schwartzman's comedy-drama The Good Half, about death and grieving, is sometimes a bit rough going, with certain scenes landing uncomfortably, but as it moves along, it deftly and touchingly finds its emotional balance.

Aspiring writer Renn (Nick Jonas) gets a call that his mother Lily (Elisabeth Shue) has passed, and he boards a plane to Cleveland. On the plane he meets Zoey (Alexandra Shipp), a therapist heading to a conference, but fails to tell her why he's really returning home. When he reaches his family, things are strained. His father Darren (Matt Walsh), who had been divorced from Lily, doesn't know what to say to him.

His sister Leigh (Brittany Snow) is bitter because Renn never answered her calls and hasn't been involved in the many decisions to be made after a death. No one is happy with Lily's second husband Rick (David Arquette), who has arranged for a traditional funeral, even though Renn insists that his mother wanted to be cremated. Renn occasionally meets Zoey for drinks, argues with his sister, fights with Rick, and eventually, in his own way, gets in touch with his feelings.

The Good Half is centered around a character that uses wit as a defense mechanism, and it turns a little below gallows humor here. His snarky remarks in what might be otherwise somber situations make him seem petty and spoiled; it's hard to side with him. The character also depends heavily on the performance by pop star Nick Jonas (of the Jonas Brothers), who may still be fine-tuning his craft. His technique, perhaps inspired by other actors he admires, is sometimes visible, and he can't always manage finding the center of this strange character.

But patience pays off, and as the character's defenses break down, things become more genuine. Director Robert Schwartzman (The Argument) and writer Brett Ryland spend time building the other characters, which is also a big plus. Leigh could have been a nasty, snippy sister, and Rick could have been the uncaring, villainous stepfather, but the movie finds room for them, and comes to understand their pain.

Best of all are the flashback scenes between Renn and his mother, showing their special relationship. (Elisabeth Shue plays her with a sweet, goofy smile.) They are the secret sauce to The Good Half, and a clue to its title.