Promising to stay together “for better or for worse” is easier said than done. In this refreshing new movie, Lauren (Amy Landecker) copes with life after divorce through smoking, sobriety and self-reflection. There’s literally a metaphor about mirrors to portray her healing journey in For Worse.
At first, Lauren channels her misery into acting because she has more time for hobbies. “Pain is great for the craft!” Then her acting class gives her much more exposure than she could ever gain as a real estate agent. Her life becomes a full-time improv workshop as she starts navigating how to rebuild with younger classmates.
She meets her scene partner Sean (Nico Hiraga) and a bride-to-be Maria (Kiersey Clemons) who invites them to her wedding in Palm Springs. As a theatre kid who recently studied comedy at Second City, it’s annoying how acting classes can quickly become a punchline about quirky people.
The movie has a slow start. When Sean walks down the driveway in slow motion with his shirt undone that laugh-out-loud moment is long overdue. Lauren jokes about her ex-husband’s new girlfriend who’s a YouTube influencer, but backtracks when she realizes the influencer’s breathing techniques might actually work.
The ensemble eventually finds their groove when they dance to Salt-N-Pepa’s Push It in Palm Springs. The 1986 hip-hop song brings everyone together, inclusive of age. Maria has some recognizable friends at her wedding. Claudia Sulewski is a natural as the stunning blonde party girl. It’s a departure from her role as baby Sutton’s mom in Apple TV’s Shrinking. Meanwhile, Paris Berelc from Netflix’s Alexa & Katie deserves more screen time.
However, 50-year-old Lauren can’t limit her social circle to twentysomethings who don’t know basic pop culture references like the romcom My Best Friend’s Wedding. It’s a relief when we finally get to see Lauren interact with Dave (Bradley Whitford). Producers Amy Landecker and Bradley Whitford are married in real life! It’s fun to see them pretend to be strangers with instant chemistry.
Their conversation after the wedding is a sweet full circle moment. When Lauren signed divorce papers, her mediator had a “Girl Dad” mug. At the wedding, it becomes clear how being a girl dad distinguishes the gentlemen from the schmucks. Plus, you’re rooting for Lauren after her charming daughter tries manifesting Lauren’s next boyfriend.
Lauren’s story is relatable even if you’ve never been married or divorced. Unfortunately, you need to sit through some dull conversations before you can discover her next chapter after the actors’ showcase.
Follow me on Instagram & YouTube to see what’s hot in Hollywood, including my latest interviews and reviews!
Disclosure: I received a screener copy of For Worse to share a review. Thanks, Vortex Media! Watch the trailer: