Merry Good Enough (2023) User Reviews

Wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful.

[scareme-79822 · 10/10 · 16 March 2024]

Raye Levine plays the part of Lucy like the heroine from a Stendhal novel... with a complex and cold intelligence.

Merry Good Enough is a wonderful film about the holidays, and is filled with a type of awkward suspense that is all its own. The film is neither sentimental nor cliche in that very commercial and typical style of Christmas movie making. Instead, the smartness of the script and its actors all work well to remind us of the difficulties we may have when coming together to celebrate with family.

I kept thinking about the nuances in this film, even days after watching it. It is highly recommended.

Heartfelt and Hilarious Chaos

[zchgrossman · 10/10 · 4 December 2023]

This is one of those films that's exactly what you want it to be. It's fun, funny, charming and heartfelt. A great balance of the spectrum of things we all experience over the holidays...Chaos and heartfelt family warmth.

This intimate story is full of great characters who each get a meaningful and/or hilarious moment to shine. And of course the story is propelled by the talented leads: Raye Levine, Sawyer Spielberg, Daniel Desmarais, Comfort Clinton and Joel Murray.

The story unfolds in such a way that it holds your interest all the way through, with sprinkled laugh out loud jokes mixed with tear jerking moments.

Dysfunction meets Warm & Fuzzy - Perfect for Holidays

[mollymanning-303-178030 · 9/10 · 6 December 2023]

A wonderful depiction of family dysfunction meets warm and fuzzy. This is the PERFECT film for a family with adult children around the holidays. It touches on the reality of being around family (and the hardships that can bring) while also emphasizing the importance and resilliency of family love. I was especially pleased with the perfect balance of romantic comedy and drama - the reality of being home and reverting back to old habits after being away from the people that are supposed to know you best was so refreshing. In a world where streaming and seasons long TV shows give you the time to get to know characters at length, this film does it in 97 minutes. Great writing, great acting. Already pre-ordered the film and will definitely be watching multiple times. GREAT FLICK! Highly reccommend.

Hilarious and Heartfelt Holiday Family Drama!

[pearsonbrielle · 10/10 · 5 December 2023]

"Merry Good Enough" is a delightful film that really dives into the whole complex family dynamics storyline. It's got a perfect mix of engagement, heart, and holiday humor that just makes you laugh, cringe at times, and feel the festive holiday spirit.

Raye Levine totally owns it as Lucy, smoothly handling all the craziness of her quirky family. When Lucy's mom disappears on Christmas Eve, you can't help but root for her as she tries to bring everyone back together. I totally got where Lucy was coming from - wanting that close bond with her mom, even if it meant dealing with some clashes along the way.

The movie wraps up with a heartwarming family reunion, kinda like the chaotic but awesome gatherings I've had with my own family. "Merry Good Enough" is a must-watch, giving your holiday movie lineup a cool and fresh twist with its sweet storyline.

A Great Christmas Eve Tale

[debola-74619 · 10/10 · 3 December 2023]

"Merry Good Enough" is more than enough. It is wonderful!! It tells the story of a dysfunctional family that rediscovers each other, when their mother is missing on Christmas Eve. The movie's realistic portrayal of the mixture of love and pain between siblings, and between parents and their adult children, is laced with humor and affection for its characters. The cast is captivating, creating an atomosphere that is both natural and familiar. Raye Levine, who plays "Lucy", the central character, holds our attention throughout as she moves between vulnerability and anger. Comfort Clinton gives a nuanced performance as "Cynthia", the sister, a successful lawyer, who arrives full of bluster and judgment, only to go through many changes as the story unfolds. Daniel Desmarais , the brother "Tim", is a delight to watch, with his understated and natural comic timing. Joel Murray, as the father, and Susan Gallagher, as the mother, give bouyant and poignant performances. Sawyer Spielberg is endearing as the handsome neighbor. The cameos by Marcia DeBonis and Sophie Von Haselberg, and others are terrific. The affectionate energy of the cast is contagious. This movie touches everyone's heart.

Real life Christmas!

[krog-03757 · 10/10 · 1 December 2023]

This was a beautifully crafted example of a dysfunctional (normal!) family! The actors were great and I loved watching this! Having been filmed in Massachusetts, it was fun to see familiar things! We saw this film with a question/answer opportunity with the director and main characters and they did not disappoint! The director talked about how she came up with this very real life like story and family. The actors demonstrated their love for the film and everyone involved with it! One shout out to the cab driver who was so funny in a small scene. Loved this movie and could relate! I'll watch this one again!!

Merry Good Enough: Because Perfection is on Vacation this Holiday!

[sophiaha-17327 · 10/10 · 5 December 2023]

Not your typical Xmas movie- it had me crying and laughing through its depiction of a REAL family with REAL issues that everyone can relate to. I saw the film at an advanced screening at the YoFi Film Festival and was able to ask the cast, co-directors, and the writer questions, what a treat.

The opening scene of the movie- set inside a cramped elevator- set up the tension and intimacy of the whole movie. My favorite scene was a series of artfully blurred slo-mo shots that pulled me into a lullaby-dream state. The old-fashioned holiday music throughout the film set the tone of warmth and longing for times far away. From cursing out a crazy neighbor to plunging into the ocean at sub-freezing temperatures, the movie was filled with frenzy and a passion that could only have emerged from something raw, wild, and true.

I can't wait for the film's release so that I can rent and rewatch to my heart's content!

Feel good Real Family holiday film

[natkinsny · 10/10 · 3 December 2023]

I loved this film, excellent writing and directing exquisitely portrayed by a cast who feel like like family. Many real, poignant and relatable moments with a touch of nostalgia.

The setting could have been everyone's hometown, the costumes were excellent and the score shines almost as much as the actors.

Wonderfully cast- Raye Levine is a superb actor and captured Lucy with skill and grace. Comfort Clinton and Daniel Desmaray capture the comedy and drama of the story. Every single cast member shone no matter the size of the part, loved Sawyer Spielberg and Joel Murray in this film.

Couldn't stop thinking about it afterwards and can't wait to watch it again.

10/10!

Great enough

[mecooney86 · 8/10 · 19 December 2023]

There's something so great the overall mise en scène of this movie and my guess it has to do something with the setting and where it was filmed (which I read was somewhere in Massachusetts). The cozy home interiors, snow dusted rural off roads, even the artificial decor of a Chinese restaurant, all of it, i believe, will elicit the nostalgic feeling of Christmas past in many viewers.

The cinematography is very good too. As well as costuming and art. It feels like a real Christmas.

Oh and the story is good too. None of that hallmark sludgy saccharine nonsense. Real enough to feel authentic without being too dark for the holidays. Just right. "good enough" one might say.

Merry Good Enough is Very Good Enough

[jfdudds-55504 · 10/10 · 6 December 2023]

Very funny and filled with heart and character. And Family is Family. You can't choose who your family is, like who your Mum is, who your Dad is and your who your siblings are. You don't see each other very often. And your very ok not seeing your Family very often. You feel you would not be where you are if your Family didn't mess you up so much. But at some stage you have to grow up and accept who you are. And around the Holidays nothing shows you more who you really are than your Family.. For me this was a fantastic surprise Holiday movie. 5 Stars for everyone who helped make this gem of a Movie.

Even better the second time!

[seankenn-02398 · 10/10 · 17 December 2023]

Been lucky enough to see two prescreenings, and this absolutely nails the dramedy genre. The drama of the family dynamics are very real and relatable, and the hilarious comedy mixes in perfectly. Each character is loveable no matter the length of the role. I particularly enjoyed the filming/lighting which nails the mood each scene. I reside in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, so seeing the local filming locations instead of being on sets was awesome. Both times I saw it, the entire theatre was laughing multiple times throughout the screening. I would highly recommend this and think it could become a regular Christmas time staple!

Fun movie

[pmack-74236 · 10/10 · 18 December 2023]

I just loved this movie from the beginning to end and cant wait to see it again ! It's a feel good , funny, suspenseful movie. Every actor is incredibly real and funny!!! You will walk out saying " I can visualize what took place in this movie happening with my family!!!" Every actor reminded me of someone i know and during the movie you make the comparisons in your own life. The siblings in the movie were just so real, like you know them. It showed the relationships not only of mother , father and siblings but also neighbors; The nosey ones, and the secretive neighbors from childhood. Just a great holiday movie to watch with your own family! You will yell out " OMG that is me!" Do yourself a favor and see it !

Good Enough!

[caroline-51036 · 10/10 · 17 December 2023]

I'm writing this review with my feet because my hands are busy clapping. Great movie, great message, memorable characters! I have to say, I am not a big fan of Christmas movies, but I have to admit that this one is the kind of movie that I can easily see myself watching every year at Christmas. It is a perfect movie to enjoy it with your family, having fun, and creating great memories! The story is real, which makes us feel part of it, we get emotional, we laugh, we get involved with the characters and we can easily identify with any of them. I cannot wait to have this movie released to watch it again!

Abolutely wonderful movie

[jkarter-77060 · 10/10 · 8 December 2023]

I applaud everything about this movie, the writing, the cinematography, the finely crafted characters, the brilliant acting, the subtle but sharp humor, a constant thread cutting through the complex, beautifully defined difficult family relationships. As I watched the movie, it suddenly occurred to me that it reminded me of a Woodie Allen film without Woodie. I felt this film has the same brilliant depth of production and seriousness with the great understated humor of those films, but it's more believable. That's what makes it a better film. Carefully and elegantly directed, the story is beautifully focused. Allowing the actors to bring in their unique talents with some ad-lib makes it even more honest. Overall, the film is a clever mosaic of events, of developing relationships, that hold your attention from beginning to end. I loved every minute. There is enough in it to definitely make me want to see it again.

Finally - A Relatable Christmas Movie

[ehstier · 9/10 · 8 December 2023]

Merry Good Enough is destined to become a Christmas classic. The story line and characters are familiar to us because we have all experience them. But they are reflected back to us with such warmth and humor that our attention never flags. There are none of the over-the-top plots or caricatured performances here, just sensitive, nuanced portrayals of our friends and families dealing with issues that seem to surface every holiday season. So why is the film so riveting? It is because we are drawn into a world that is deep within our personal experience, but not so intimate that our thoughts turn inward. Instead, we feel only love, and empathy for the characters and joy at their triumphs. The casting was superb. Each actor displayed a range of skills from comedic timing to genuine emotional vulnerability. The direction, editing and music were worthy of a big budget film. But, this is an "Indy" produced on a shoestring, making it worthy of "Christmas miracle" status.

I'll Have a Vodka Martini

[botesurv · 10/10 · 16 December 2023]

The word-of-mouth will be...merry. Think, 'did you see that movie?' the cadence, the pace is dated. The color is middle joel meyerowitz. The father wins at charades. The interior car scenes are an act of god in their loneliness. Everyone is miserable but, they're not. The wedding photos are in the trash. Then, later they all get trashed. No one can skate. If you want a movie not made by committee, then this is it. I'm supposed to come up with 600 words but the screenplay is so sparse, it doesn't deserve 600 words. This new england town has the obligatory wack-job with a gazillion lights and the three damn plastic reindeer. Silent night, holy night.

The Proverbial Question: Am I good enough?

[susan-02550 · 10/10 · 10 December 2023]

No spoilers in this review because this is a "Must See!" movie and needs your viewing journey not to be spoiled with plot giveaways!

Caroline Keene's fresh and wonderfully written script unfolds slowly and beautifully in its own time and Matthew Cooney/Dan Kennedy's sensitively roving camera spins out a tale that reels you in!

Co-directed by Caroline Keene and Dan Kennedy "Merry Good Enough" lights up the screen with an excellent ensemble of delightfully talented actors helmed by the luminous Raye Levine. This humble film delivers gifts in multitude!! See it this Holiday season with a friend, friends, or... your family.

Really enjoyable

[stevemix · 10/10 · 17 December 2023]

A departure from typical holiday movies in a great way . The hallmark channel would reject it because it is too believable.

The Script has plenty of one liners to keep it from being too dark. The cinematography is wonderful, especially the outdoor scenes. The cast all deliver in providing interesting and well developed characters. The plot twists provided an emotional roller coaster.

Interesting use of music, with a good balance of holiday tunes and others that help round out the mood of the picture.

Was fortunate enough to catch it in the theater where the big screen showcased a movie worth the trip.

Holiday Fun for the Adult Family

[rasa-acharya · 9/10 · 20 December 2023]

Merry Good Enough is a great watch for anyone wanting to see the functionality of a dysfunctional American family during the holidays. Heart warming and sharp, the film deals with 'adulting' for both generations of a family of five plus the small town locals who they have all grown up with. What makes Merry Good Enough fresh is you can feel the film comes from the community where it's being made. Taking you to New England area, it's not an overly sappy or romantic view of the holidays but rather a grounded in reality experience that a lot of families go through over the holidays. Great performances from Raye Levine, Joel Murray, Daniel Desmarais, Comfort Clinton, Susan Gallagher and Sawyer Spielburg.

Amazing movie!!!

[caitlinaysh-77963 · 10/10 · 5 January 2024]

This movie was absolutely amazing! I had a smile on my face nearly the whole time! The whole cast is incredibly talented and has incredible chemistry! Raye is so relatable and such a talent. The relationship between Raye and Sawyer's character is beautiful. The writing is phenomenal and so perfectly nuanced! The mother daughter story was one I needed to hear. Having a relatable story with a relatable actress like Raye made this feel like home. I almost never leave a movie feeling so good anymore, I left this movie with a huge smile on my face! I highly recommend this film, everything about it just made me feel good.

Just like the holidays, lots of laughs and a few tears!

[mangier-61719 · 10/10 · 20 December 2023]

This is a beautiful movie. Absolutely hilarious at times and at others exposing deep truths about family and love and what the holidays really feel like! I saw myself, my family and my friends in these characters.

After finishing a movie I always know its a great one when I continue to think about it for days after, this is one of those. Thinking back over the hilarious scenes and dialogue still can make me laugh days later. It also sent me ruminating around this thought/feeling that I too quickly categorize people and forget about their depth and the experiences which shaped them. It left me with this desire to be compassionate (not a bad thing around the holidays) and an awareness that people can be two things simultaneously they can be joyful and sad, they can be so deeply caring and jerks. Exposing, in a way only films can, a core truth about what it is to be human.

Watch it, I am sure you will take away something wonderful from it and you wont be disappointed!!

10's across the board!

[PupDuffy · 10/10 · 23 December 2023]

This film is more than entertaining, it has the capacity to heal. Many fractured families can't find a way to knit the cracks together so seeing this family that is so estranged and so dysfunctional find the joy and love no matter what can help so much! With heartfelt performances from Levine, Murray, Gallagher, Clinton and Desmarais, you see that "Hey! Maybe my family isn't as messed up!" while your heart is broken and filled at the same time. Odd man out and feather smoother Sam is played warmly and incredibly by Spielberg. Supporting cast Petersen, Von Haselberg, Howard, and Casey shine in their roles while Murray is the Karen we hate to love. This film will spark conversations long after the end credits roll.

An intimate portrayal of family during the holidays

[emmaclevine · 10/10 · 23 December 2023]

This is the first holiday movie that I've seen that actually feels real. Like you're a fly on the wall. It touched on the baggage we all carry around with family in a very nuanced and specific way. Relationships between parents and adult children can be really hard, and this movie captured that really well. It was surprising and fun, too. I saw this in one of the advanced screenings and there were a lot of LOLs. This movie felt classic and modern at the same time. It was a reminder that there is no "normal" when it comes to family. And I really loved the whole cast!! Will definitely recommend!

Dysfunctional Family/Funny Facts of Life

[dccrush · 10/10 · 22 December 2023]

This film goes deep down to the core of family issues during the holiday season, all the while keeping the tone bright and light as a feather. A realistic dysfunctional family. The slightest and simplest disagreement can be blown out of proportion and all hell breaks loose. The acting is so well done by everyone. Natural, truthful and comical. Pros at work. Raye Levine is a wonderful lead actress. She carries the film effortlessly and is so well grounded. Raye's emotional range is heartfelt, honest and beautiful to watch. I'm not going to give away any spoiler alerts, but I do have a personal money shot that warms my heart so. The love in this film is real, like capturing a Genie in a bottle. Add this film to your list of holiday films to watch! Enjoy!

Modern, honest, and relatable

[dmf-00850 · 10/10 · 25 December 2023]

Merry Good Enough is a heartfelt tale of a family's Christmas celebration in a not-so-perfect, post-COVID world. Watched this with my family on Christmas Eve and were delighted with our ability to relate to all of the main characters through their excellent acting and genuinity of their feelings on screen. The writers did a great job of balancing tough topics like mental health and modern family member responsibilities with the celebratory nature of the holidays.

The film takes place in the North Shore suburbs of Boston (Lynn/Wayland/etc) which always adds a wonderful element to any holiday story. I would recommend this film to any family, especially families that have children between 25 and 45.