The 2024 film The Good Half, directed by Robert Schwartzman, is a poignant exploration of grief, family dynamics, and personal growth. It’s about Renn Wheeland, portrayed by Nick Jonas, who returns to his hometown of Cleveland for his mother’s funeral. This emotional journey prompts him to confront unresolved issues with his family, including his high-strung sister Leigh (Brittany Snow), their bumbling father Darren (Matt Walsh), and his untrustworthy stepfather Rick (David Arquette).
Renn’s return is marked by a mix of humor and sorrow as he navigates the complexities of familial relationships. The film delves into themes of regret and healing, showcasing Renn’s struggle with guilt for not being present during his mother’s illness. As he reconnects with his sister, their shared grief becomes a catalyst for addressing long-standing tensions.
And Zoey (Alexandra Shipp), a charming stranger who encourages Renn to confront his emotional barriers . The film’s tone oscillates between light-hearted moments and deeper reflections on loss, culminating in a finale that unexpectedly shifts into a heist scenario, which some critics felt undermined the film’s emotional weight.
The soundtrack of The Good Half complements its emotional landscape, featuring a mix of original compositions and classic tracks. Notably, Nick Jonas performs “I Melt with You” by Modern English during a karaoke scene, which serves as a poignant moment of connection amidst the chaos of family dynamics . The music, composed by William Schwartzman, enhances the film’s exploration of grief and nostalgia, creating a backdrop that resonates with the characters’ emotional journeys.
The Good Half Soundtrack List of Songs
- Blue Wings – Wild Nothing
- Sleep apnea – Beach Fossils
- Funeral Organ – Rupert Williams Gregson
- Get Over It – Colley Hobbs
- See These Eyes – Deep Sea Diver
- I’m A Sucka – Solobob
- Simple Times – Frank LoCrasto
- Hotels – Frank LoCrasto
- Hawaiian Church – Frank LoCrasto
- Hope Street – Frank LoCrasto
- In Camera – Yumi Zouma
- Live Till You Die – Rooney
- The Touch of You – Andrea Litkei & Ervin Litkei
- Arioso (Harp) – Johann Sebastian Bach, Michelle Sell
- Catch Me I’m Falling – Alexandra Shipp
- It’s you – Rooney
- I Melt With you – Nick Jonas
- Heaven and Paradise – Don Julian
- Wires – Coconut Records
- Say Goodbye – Rooney
- Let’s Go – Wang Chung
- I Miss You When You’re Gone – Rooney
- Don’t Laugh – William Schwartzman
- Bitter Cold – Spring Summer
- The Time Is Now – Rooney
- Do What You Want – Starsystem
- Toccata Romantica – Otto Sieben
- Canoe – Small Black
- Let’s Go – Solobob
- Filmdrone – Frank LoCrasto
The Good Half (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
- Not Released Yet
Production companies Beachwood Park Films The Ranch Productions and movie Distributed by Utopia