In her latest film, “Goodrich,” writer-director Hallie Meyers-Shyer delves deep into the complex and often messy dynamics of the father-daughter relationship. Starring the inimitable Michael Keaton as an art gallery owner whose life is upended when his second wife checks into rehab, forcing him to step up as the primary caregiver for their young twins, the film is a sentimental, frequently hilarious exploration of the challenges and joys of fatherhood.
But at the heart of “Goodrich” is the fraught relationship between Keaton’s character Andy Goodrich and his adult daughter, Grace, played with grit and vulnerability by Mila Kunis. Goodrich must confront the emotional scars of his past failures as a father to Grace, who is now preparing to have her own child, as he struggles to maintain his household.
“We have a lot of complicated mother-daughter movies,” Meyers-Shyer explains. However, Meyers-Shyer notes that we often perceive the father-daughter relationship as a romantic, ‘daddy’s girl’ dynamic. I thought it would be interesting to show the underbelly of the relationship.
The director, who is herself the child of filmmakers Nancy Meyers and Charles Shyer, drew heavily on her own personal experiences for the film. “In my personal life, my father remarried and had a second set of kids. This presented a significant challenge for her, she admits. “I felt like if I struggled with it, others might too.”
Keaton, who was Meyers-Shyer’s first choice for the role, expertly navigates the delicate balance of Goodrich’s well-meaning but often self-absorbed nature. Whether he’s offering to take his pregnant daughter out for sushi or insisting on watching “Casablanca” during a family movie night, the actor imbues the character with a lovable, bumbling charm that masks the deeper hurt and regret bubbling beneath the surface.
“I tried to capture some of his mannerisms because I wanted to subliminally let him see himself in the part,” Meyers-Shyer reveals. “I think that’s kind of cheating, but I wanted him to relate to it.”
For her part, Kunis surpasses Keaton’s formidable screen presence. Her Grace is a complex, multilayered character—equal parts exasperation and affection, resentment and hope. In one particularly searing moment, she unleashes a raw emotional monologue in which she lays bare the painful truth of her relationship with her father.
Grace tells Goodrich, “I’m someone you call from the car.” “I don’t even remember what you look like in pajamas.”
Meyers-Shyer expresses her amazement at Kunis’ breathtaking performance. “I knew that the first take was going to be in the movie. She came out guns blazing.”
As Goodrich navigates the murky waters of fatherhood, both to his young twins and his adult daughter, the film explores the ways in which good intentions can so often fall short. But Meyers-Shyer is careful to avoid simplistic redemption arcs, instead opting for a more nuanced, lived-in portrayal of the father-daughter dynamic.
“When you think about the movie, nothing is going this guy’s way,” the director observes. “I wanted the larger theme of the movie to be that he has everything that he really needs in his life. He just doesn’t know where to look for it.”
Ultimately, “Goodrich” is a heartfelt, often humorous exploration of the messiness of family, the mistakes we make, and the stubborn resilience of love. In the film’s closing moments, as Goodrich holds his newborn grandchild, he utters a simple, powerful declaration to Grace: “You’re my soulmate.”
It’s a line that Meyers-Shyer crafted in collaboration with Keaton, knowing that a simple “I’m sorry” would never be enough. “What he’s really saying to her is there’s a lot of women in the movie who come and go—wives come and go. She’s the one who’s there at the end.”
For Meyers-Shyer, “Goodrich” represents a deeply personal exploration of the complexities of family and fatherhood, one that she hopes will resonate with audiences. “I drew a lot on my personal life,” she admits. “I contemplated a film similar to ‘Kramer vs. Kramer,’ and considered how intriguing it would be to portray an older man, similar to my father, raising a second set of children.” Imagine how it would be to delve into the concept of parenting in the 1980s, and then again in the present day, with distinct expectations for fathers.
With its winning blend of humor, heartache, and hard-won wisdom, “Goodrich” is a must-see for anyone who has ever grappled with the messy, beautiful realities of family. It’s a film that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of a father’s love, even in the face of his own failings.