Actor Zach Braff has proven an effective writer/director and this film may be his best yet. It starts with a delighted Florence Pugh singing at her engagement party. After a few scenes to establish her potential for happiness, disaster strikes and the rest of the story revolves around her coming to terms with it. The other affected family is headed by Morgan Freeman, who’s stuggling with his own issues. At this point, the narrative alternates between the challenges of addiction and the obstacles of their emotional devastation. Pugh’s performance is full of empathy and it’s wonderful to see Freeman, who hasn’t had such a juicy role in a while. Braff has penned an intelligent yet sensitive script and his direction keeps fully focused on the excellent performances. There’s not a lot new in the story or staging (the ending is too predictable), but despite the melodrama, Pugh and Freeman make it worthwhile. 
(3.5 / 5)
