The Bachelors

In a nutshell, the film tells the story about a teacher, after the death of his wife, and his son that move to a new city, where emotional connections with two women help them begin to heal. During 2020 pandemic and less than two years after I watched "The Bachelors" for the 1st time, I realized (after my wife commented it) that I (we) already watched it, but I completely forget it, meaning, it's not that memorable (at least for me) regardless it is a solid dramedy with maybe shallow attempt at exploring themes of depression and mental illness. To be honest, I almost wish the movie was a mini-series just so all the film characters and their backgrounds could have been developed more. Basically, a poor script did not allow story-line to develop enough or for anything else than mostly surface characters and a mediocre drama with some good moments in the relationship of father and son. Acting wise, despite the fact that J.K. Simmons is the biggest name among the cast, each of the four top-billed actors deserve credit for film deft emotional balance. To conclude, while film can feel slow at times, I can recommended it just, please, not watch it if you are feeling down.

Rating: 7+

Not sure why this is listed as a romantic comedy. Truth be told, it is neither. But it is a study in the effects of grief. A gut-wrenching story of emotional survival; tentative and tenuous relationships; self truths; and the desperate need to come out on the other side as unscathed as one can, in the face of bitter loss.

"The Bachelors" is a Comedy - Drama movie in which we watch a father with his son changing town, school and job after the death of his wife. They both have to adapt in their new lives and deal with this big loss in order to continue their lives.

I liked this movie because it had a simple but very interesting and emotional plot. The direction which was made by Kurt Voelker, it was good and he presented very well both the plot of the movie and his main characters, their feelings, their relationships with each other and also their plans and dreams. For one more time the interpretation of J. K. Simmons who played as Bill Palet was simply outstanding and I believe he did an excellent job. Some other interpretations that have to be mentioned were Josh Wiggins' who played as Wes Palet, Julie Delpy's who played as Carine and Odeya Rush's who played as Lacy Westman. Lastly, I have to say that "The Bachelors" is a nice movie that presents with a very interesting and clever way a sensitive subject, I highly recommend everyone to watch it.

Bill Palet (J.K. Simmons) is still depressed by the death of his wife a year earlier. He and his teen son Wes (Josh Wiggins) move out of their home and into a new life at a private school. Wes is partnered with troubled Lacy Westman (Odeya Rush) who has dysfunctional parents getting divorced but stubbornly still live together. The kids' french teacher Carine (Julie Delpy) try to heal their wounds.

The kids are great. This could be a great high school drama if the movie could skew more towards them. I don't have anything against Delpy and Simmons. On the contrary, they do great work with their roles. Nevertheless, it does pull focus away from the kids. It leaves the story telling scattered. I don't know much about filmmaker Kurt Voelker. He seems to get some good work from his actors.

As the movie started I was expecting a light rom com about overcoming loss. What I got was a coming of age story mixed with gut wrenching moments about mental illness, depression and how to deal with loss. I like to be surprised, and this movie definitely did that, as it goes places I wasn't expecting, with great acting by everyone, which helps sell the drama and makes it even harder to watch. Due to its theme this is not an easy movie, and I can understand that sometimes people don't want to see movies like this, but if you can stomach it it's well worth the ride.