In a delightful treat for fans of classic romantic comedies, Hollywood’s enduring power couple Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick have reunited on screen after more than two decades in the charming film The Best You Can. This warm, witty midlife love story captures the essence of finding unexpected joy amid life’s chaos, blending big laughs with even bigger heart. Directed and written by Michael J. Weithorn, the movie showcases the undeniable chemistry between the real-life spouses—who have been married since 1988—making every interaction feel authentic and electric. Their first on-screen pairing since 2004 proves that some sparks never fade, delivering a feel-good narrative about aging gracefully, embracing imperfections, and rediscovering romance when you least expect it.
At the core of the story is Stan Olszewski, played by Kevin Bacon, a chronically underachieving yet endlessly lovable security guard in his fifties. Stan is the kind of guy who’s content with the simple things—his job patrolling quiet neighborhoods, his close bond with his adult daughter, and the occasional beer with friends. He’s sharp-witted and kind-hearted but has settled into a routine that borders on stagnation, haunted by past regrets and a sense of unfulfilled potential. Bacon brings his signature everyman charm to the role, infusing Stan with a rumpled vulnerability and quick humor that makes him instantly relatable. His performance echoes the laid-back charisma he’s known for in films like Footloose and A Few Good Men, but here it’s tempered with the wisdom of midlife, showing a man who’s funny without trying too hard and deeply empathetic beneath his casual exterior.
Opposite him is Kyra Sedgwick as Cynthia Rand, a highly successful urologist whose life appears perfectly ordered on the surface. Cynthia is buttoned-up, accomplished, and married to an older intellectual played by the legendary Judd Hirsch. But cracks are forming in her facade: her husband’s advancing dementia is eroding their once-vibrant connection, her career demands are relentless, and she’s grappling with the quiet dissatisfaction of a life that looks ideal but feels increasingly empty. Sedgwick, acclaimed for her intense roles in The Closer and films like Something to Talk About, shines in this lighter fare. She portrays Cynthia with a mix of steely professionalism and hidden fragility, allowing moments of wry sarcasm to give way to genuine emotional openness. Her natural poise makes Cynthia’s unraveling all the more poignant, and Sedgwick’s real-life partnership with Bacon translates into on-screen magic that elevates every shared scene.
The film’s quirky meet-cute sets everything in motion when Stan, on duty as a night security guard, foils a home robbery attempt at Cynthia’s upscale residence. What begins as a professional encounter—Stan responding to the alarm and ensuring her safety—quickly evolves into something more personal. Late-night texts turn into deep conversations, an unexpected friendship blossoms, and soon, deeper feelings emerge. As they navigate family dramas, personal insecurities, and the messiness of midlife transitions, Stan and Cynthia challenge each other to embrace life’s imperfections and find joy in the present. The script smartly avoids clichés, opting instead for honest explorations of aging, regret, and the courage it takes to pursue happiness later in life.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its thematic depth wrapped in comedic packaging. It tackles heavy topics like dementia, generational gaps, and the fear of starting over with sensitivity and humor, never veering into melodrama. Stan’s relationship with his daughter Sammi, portrayed by the talented Brittany O’Grady, adds layers of familial warmth and conflict. O’Grady, known for standout roles in Little Voice and The White Lotus, brings youthful energy and sharp wit to Sammi, a young woman navigating her own career and relationships while worrying about her dad’s contentment. Her scenes with Bacon crackle with authentic father-daughter banter, providing some of the film’s biggest laughs and most tender moments.
Judd Hirsch delivers a masterful performance as Cynthia’s husband Walter, capturing the frustration and dignity of living with cognitive decline. Hirsch, a veteran actor with iconic roles in Taxi and Ordinary People, imbues Walter with intelligence and quiet strength, making his character’s struggles profoundly moving. The ensemble is rounded out by strong supporting players, including Olivia Luccardi as a quirky colleague, Ray Romano in a hilarious cameo as a friend offering dubious advice, and others who flesh out the world with relatable quirks and heart.
Weithorn’s direction keeps the pacing brisk and the tone balanced, blending laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt revelations. The dialogue feels lived-in and natural, full of the kind of observational humor that comes from real experience—jokes about dating apps for the over-50 crowd, the absurdities of modern medicine, and the small rebellions that come with aging. Visually, the film opts for a cozy, intimate aesthetic, with warm lighting and everyday settings that mirror the characters’ grounded lives. This isn’t a glossy fantasy; it’s a rom-com rooted in reality, where love doesn’t erase problems but helps you face them with a smile.
The real-life chemistry between Bacon and Sedgwick is the undeniable heartbeat of the movie. Having met on the set of a 1987 TV movie and built a lasting marriage complete with two children, their comfort with each other translates into effortless on-screen rapport. Stolen glances, playful teasing, and quiet moments of understanding feel utterly genuine—no forced romance here, just the easy intimacy of partners who truly know one another. It’s this authenticity that makes their characters’ budding connection so believable and endearing. Viewers can’t help but root for Stan and Cynthia, seeing echoes of the actors’ own enduring love story in every frame.
Beyond the central romance, The Best You Can offers a refreshing take on midlife stories, rarely seen in mainstream rom-coms. It celebrates the idea that it’s never too late for growth, connection, or second chances. Stan learns to push beyond his comfort zone, while Cynthia rediscovers the joy in letting go of control. Family dynamics play a key role, exploring how adult children and aging parents navigate changing roles with love and occasional exasperation. The film also touches on themes of gratitude and resilience, reminding audiences that doing “the best you can” is often more than enough.
Supporting performances add richness to the narrative. Brittany O’Grady’s Sammi provides a younger perspective, highlighting generational differences in approaching life and love. Her push-and-pull dynamic with Stan grounds the story in everyday family realism. Judd Hirsch’s portrayal adds emotional weight, humanizing the challenges of dementia without sentimentality. Cameos and smaller roles inject additional humor and heart, creating a vibrant ensemble that feels like a real community.
In an era of high-concept blockbusters and streaming overload, The Best You Can stands out as a return to character-driven storytelling. It’s the midlife love story audiences didn’t know they needed—a reminder that romance can be funny, messy, and profound at any age. Bacon and Sedgwick’s reunion is pure joy, proving their talent and chemistry remain as potent as ever. With big laughs, bigger heart, and an irresistible spark, this film is a charming escape that lingers long after the credits roll, leaving viewers smiling and perhaps texting an old friend for a late-night chat.
