The Best You Can aims to be a quiet, offbeat character drama, but it struggles to turn its unusual premise into something truly engaging. Starring Kevin Bacon as a man dealing with deeply personal struggles - including urinary issues and social anxiety - the film tries to explore vulnerability, loneliness, and the small moments that define human connection. On paper, it sounds like a thoughtful indie story. In execution, however, it often feels thin, awkward, and emotionally distant.
Bacon is usually a reliable anchor, and here he does what he can with the material. He brings sincerity to a character who is clearly meant to be fragile and relatable, but the script rarely gives him moments that feel layered or transformative. Instead of watching a man grow or confront his fears in a meaningful way, we mostly observe him drifting from scene to scene, stuck in the same emotional space. His performance is restrained, but not in a way that deepens the story - more in a way that reflects how little the film asks of him.
The romantic subplot is meant to provide heart, yet it never fully clicks. What should be a tender exploration of two damaged people finding comfort in each other comes off as underdeveloped and emotionally flat. The chemistry is minimal, and the relationship feels more like a narrative obligation than a natural progression. The film hints at warmth and intimacy, but it rarely lets those moments breathe long enough to resonate.
Where The Best You Can really falters is in its screenplay and pacing. The story leans heavily on dialogue and repetitive situations, often circling the same themes without pushing them forward. Scenes feel stretched, and the movie seems unsure whether it wants to be a gentle comedy, a heartfelt romance, or a subdued drama. Because it never commits to a clear tone, the film ends up feeling scattered and unfocused. The central concept, while quirky, simply isn't strong enough to carry the runtime.
Direction-wise, the film is competent but uninspired. There's nothing particularly wrong with how it's shot or staged, but there's also nothing that elevates it. The visual style is plain, matching the low-key nature of the story, yet it adds to the overall sense of blandness. Nothing about the presentation helps inject energy or emotion into scenes that desperately need it.
Ultimately, The Best You Can feels like a missed opportunity. There's a version of this story that could have been touching, funny, and deeply human, but this film never quite reaches that potential. Despite a solid lead actor and a premise that could have sparked something unique, it settles into mediocrity. It's not offensively bad, but it's forgettable - the kind of movie that ends and leaves you wondering why you invested the time. For fans of Kevin Bacon, it might be worth a look, but for most viewers, there are far more rewarding character dramas out there.
