Looking for something new to stream this Christmas? Mark your calendars for December 25th, as The Best You Can, a romantic comedy starring real-life couple Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, premieres on Netflix. While the film skipped a traditional theatrical release, it’s now coming straight to your screen as part of Sony Pictures’ first window deal with Netflix. Here’s everything you need to know about this charming holiday movie.
Overview of The Best You Can (2023)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The Best You Can |
| Starring | Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Judd Hirsch, Brittany O’Grady, Ray Romano |
| Director | Michael J. Weithorn |
| Writer | Michael J. Weithorn |
| Release Date (Netflix) | December 25, 2023 (US) |
| Distributor | Sony Pictures Home Entertainment |
| Genres | Romantic Comedy, Dramedy |
| IMDB Rating | 6.4/10 (as of publication) |
| Premiere Date (VOD/Physical) | November 25, 2023 |
A Cozy Holiday Rom-Com for the Family
The Best You Can offers a lighthearted, sweet romantic comedy that’s perfect for the holiday season. Directed and written by Michael J. Weithorn, known for his work on sitcoms like The King of Queens and Family Ties, the film tells the story of Stan Olszewski (Kevin Bacon) and Cynthia Rand (Kyra Sedgwick) as they navigate life, love, and family dynamics.
The film follows Stan and Cynthia as they face their own personal and professional challenges, all while trying to balance their evolving relationship. With their quirky personalities, both actors bring a natural chemistry to the screen that makes the film feel comforting and genuine. The storyline touches on themes of second chances and finding joy in life’s imperfections, which is exactly what fans of romantic comedies crave.
“Kevin and Kyra bring an effortless charm to the screen in The Best You Can, their real-life connection translating beautifully to a heartwarming, feel-good narrative. Their chemistry is the film’s beating heart.” – Michael J. Weithorn, Director/Writer
Key Cast and Characters
The film features an ensemble cast, with several notable performances that enhance the charm of this dramedy.
- Kevin Bacon as Stan Olszewski
- Kyra Sedgwick as Cynthia Rand
- Judd Hirsch as Warren Rand
- Brittany O’Grady as Sammi
- Ray Romano as Doug Finkelman
- Misha Brooks as Henry Gallo
- Olivia Luccardi as CJ Moretti
- Meera Rohit Kumbhani as Pramila Mahesh
With a strong supporting cast, including comedic performances from Ray Romano and Judd Hirsch, the film delivers both humor and heart in equal measure.
From Tribeca to Netflix: A Look at the Film’s Reception
The Best You Can premiered earlier this year at the Tribeca Film Festival, where it received generally positive reviews. Critics praised the film for its sweet, low-stakes nature and the effortless chemistry between Bacon and Sedgwick, who play a married couple on screen as well as in real life. Variety described the film as an “unassuming dramedy” with a “comfortingly sweet” vibe, thanks to its earned ending and the real-life couple’s natural on-screen ease.
The film has earned a modest 6.4/10 on IMDb, reflecting its positive reception while also acknowledging that it’s a low-key, feel-good film rather than a groundbreaking masterpiece. If you’re in the mood for something light and enjoyable, The Best You Can delivers just that.
The Netflix Premiere and Sony Pictures’ Deal
The Best You Can was released directly to digital and physical media on November 25, 2023, bypassing a traditional theatrical release. However, the film will make its streaming debut on Netflix in the U.S. on December 25, 2023, as part of Sony Pictures’ first-window deal. This deal, which began in 2022, allows Netflix to stream Sony films in the U.S. within a period of 18 months after their theatrical or home release.
As part of this arrangement, The Best You Can is one of three Sony films set to premiere on Netflix in December. It follows in the footsteps of two action-packed B-movie films, A Line of Fire and Border Hunters, which also make their way to the platform.
Why You Should Watch The Best You Can?
The Best You Can offers a refreshing and heartfelt take on romantic comedy, bringing a classic genre back to its roots. Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick’s chemistry is the film’s biggest asset, making this dramedy a charming watch for anyone looking for a cozy, feel-good movie. It’s the perfect pick for Christmas Day, especially if you’re in the mood for something light-hearted yet emotionally resonant.
Whether you’re a fan of the lead actors or simply love a good romantic comedy, The Best You Can is a great choice for your holiday viewing. It’s a story about love, family, and second chances, with the perfect mix of humour and heart.
“The film captures the beauty of love and life’s imperfections in a way that feels both real and comforting. It’s the kind of film that leaves you smiling long after the credits roll.” – Ray Romano, Actor
What Else is Coming to Netflix in December?
If you’re planning your December Netflix watchlist, The Best You Can is just one of many exciting releases on the horizon. In addition to this romantic comedy, December brings action films like A Line of Fire and Border Hunters, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
FAQs
The film will premiere on Netflix in the U.S. on December 25, 2023.
The Best You Can follows a married couple, played by Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, as they navigate their personal and professional challenges while exploring love, second chances, and family dynamics.
The film is directed by Michael J. Weithorn, known for his work on TV shows like The King of Queens and Family Ties.
Critics have described The Best You Can as a sweet and comforting dramedy with great chemistry between the leads. It holds a 6.4/10 rating on IMDb.
No, the film skipped a theatrical release and went straight to digital and physical media on November 25, 2023, before its Netflix debut.
