Better Days

Better Days is a 2023 film that wasn't nearly as good as it could have been.

Sonja Smits gives a solid performance as a recently widowed middle-aged teacher who appears to just be learning about her life, giving rise to an awkward and cliched plot line about unhappy (or still searching) ever after. Cue the music: "Smile, Though Your Heart is Aching." Enough already.

Better Days needed a much better ending but that's my opinion. Instead, it becomes a conversation between the star and the viewing audience that breaks the rules of moviemaking in a good way, until the writer/director decides to betray that trust.

As good as it seems to be when the main character is introduced to another man, there must be something better out there. Where have I heard that before in this "What truly is happiness" generation? Let the angst continue.

But, why? The main character is a bright, apparently responsible woman with a good job, a formerly successful marriage and two adult children that care for her. Can't that be enough or is this movie a statement on coping with despair and finding some meaning for our perpetually troubled existence. If so, it's remarkably unremarkable.

Alix Sideris also stands out as the egocentric, obnoxious friend, who nobody wants in their life, but remains much like gum on the bottom of your shoe.