Hallie Meyers-Shyer envisioned Michael Keaton in the lead role when she penned the script for her upcoming film “Goodrich.” She was ecstatic when Keaton agreed to take on the titular character, as she believed his extensive body of work would bring depth and humor to the role. Meyers-Shyer, who also directed the family comedy, expressed her excitement, stating, “It was Michael or bust. When somebody has a body of work behind them like Michael does, you can really picture how they would say things, and it helped me write him comedically, it helped me write him honestly.” She went on to say that Keaton’s involvement felt like the stars aligning.
In “Goodrich,” Keaton plays Andy, an art gallery owner whose life is upended when his wife, Naomi (played by Laura Benanti), enters a 90-day rehab program, leaving him to care for their 9-year-old twins. To navigate this challenging situation, he reaches out to his eldest daughter Grace, portrayed by Mila Kunis, for support.
Meyers-Shyer emphasized that she was drawn to Keaton’s ability to bring vulnerability to the screen, especially in a heartfelt comedy. She also highlighted her excitement at the prospect of exploring this aspect of his performance. Additionally, she praised Kunis, noting that the actress’s widespread appeal made her a top choice for the role of Grace. Meyers-Shyer elaborated on her decision, stating, “We’ve kind of grown up with her, and I thought it would be really interesting to see her in this role as a daughter and a new mother.”
The film delves into the complex dynamics between Andy and Grace, as they navigate their fractured relationship. In an exclusive first look shared with Us, the duo is shown struggling to connect, with Andy inadvertently burdening his pregnant daughter with his own problems.
In a touching scene, Andy apologizes to Grace for burdening her and expresses his distress. Grace reassures him, saying she’s used to such situations and empathizes with his struggles. Andy agrees that he hates feeling this way and remembers when he saw Grace cry, finding it difficult to witness. They share a moment of laughter and Andy expresses his determination to overcome his problems. Later, Meyers-Shyer explained that casting the right actor to play Grace was essential, requiring someone with strong screen presence and confidence to match a legendary actor like Keaton, and Kunis fit the criteria.
The dynamic between the characters in the story can be likened to a boxing match, as explained by the creator. The actors’ ability to fluidly transition between love and hate added depth to their performances. The creator aimed to capture the magic of a child-parent relationship, where arguments can quickly turn into expressions of love. Drawing from her own experiences, the creator infused elements of her personal life into the character of Grace, who is portrayed as a new mother and a child of divorce.
On Friday, October 18, Goodrich will be released in theaters. The director expressed a strong personal connection to the themes in the film, believing that personal connections resonate with audiences. She emphasized the significance of creating bonds with actors through personal sharing, particularly in non-superhero movies that explore intimate stories about familial relationships.
