Fatherhood, Reimagined Together

Michael Keaton and Mila Kunis swiftly transformed from strangers to portraying a father-daughter duo in their latest film, "Goodrich."

Their interaction before filming was minimal just a single dinner with writer-director Hallie Meyers-Shyer, who instinctively knew they’d click on screen. The movie explores the emotional complexities of their characters: a father trying to reconcile his absence in his daughter’s childhood while now raising young twins from a second marriage, and a daughter preparing for her own child, uncertain if she can rely on her father this time around.

Despite these weighty themes, neither actor felt daunted. The strength of the script, they both agreed, made the emotional depth effortless to navigate.

Meyers-Shyer, daughter of famed filmmakers Nancy Meyers and Charles Shyer, drew from her personal experiences to craft the story, particularly the intricacies of parenting across different stages of life. She wrote the role of Keaton’s character specifically for him, capturing the essence of an aging father navigating relationships with both young and grown children.

The movie also marks a return to Los Angeles for filming, which Meyers-Shyer was particularly proud of. "It’s nice to bring some business back to Los Angeles," she said. "LA is hard to fake. It’s a very special, unique place."

In a challenging market, where most movies seem destined for streaming, the theatrical release of "Goodrich" stands out. Kunis commented on the rarity of such releases today, saying, "It’s sad that we’re even talking about the fact that it’s coming out in theaters."

With her directorial debut behind her, Meyers-Shyer now seeks to establish her own identity in the film world, stepping out from her mother’s shadow. As Kunis observed, “She’s not her mom. I think that she’s carved her own way through this industry... She has a different aesthetic but an aesthetic nonetheless.”

Despite familial influences, "Goodrich" is a testament to Meyers-Shyer’s unique voice, offering audiences a fresh take on family dynamics and second chances.