"The Good House"

 2021 * R * 1h 44m I'll freely admit that yours truly once had a drinking problem. And like most heavy drinkers, I was in denial. Fortunately, those days are long behind me. As a result, whenever I notice a film about people with drinking problems, I usually avoid them. But, when the movie stars Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline, I figure I'll at least give it a chance. That is, I'll watch a half hour of it, and if it doesn't grab me, I'll bail. Well, "The Good House" hooked me right from the start and never let me go. 

The movie is about Hildy Good (Weaver), a fairly successful realtor in an affluent New England seaside town. She's recently come out of rehab, but still drinks. She thinks she has it under control and only drinks in the evenings. But she's totally in denial, and after getting hammered, often goes out and embarrasses herself in public. So much so, that the small town starts to gossip about her. And of course, this has a negative affect on her business. 

She also reunites with an old flame Frank Getchell (Kline). He's a local handyman and jack of all trades. The two have some good times together, but he's more than aware of Hildy's drinking problem and her living her life in denial. It's painful to watch at times, and is a bit like driving by the scene of a horrible car crash. Ultimately, the film pays off with a happy ending. If you're looking for some amazing acting and an enthralling story (the film is based on the book of the same title by Ann Leary), give this one a shot. I don't think you'll be disappointed. 

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Prime and to rent on Apple TV, Amazon, Fandango, YouTube, and other streaming services.