Is Best Years Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2024)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2024, Best Years represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Modern Cinema category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Heartbroken, listening to Enya, and making Mickey Mouse pancakes in his underwear, the last thing Brooklynite Troy wants to do is welcome new neighbors. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Heartbroken, listening to Enya, and making Mickey Mouse pancakes in his underwear, the last thing Brooklynite Troy wants to do is welcome new neighbors. But when he sees Abel’s captivating smile, his hope for a rekindled romance with his ex-boyfriend Chance gets officially placed on the back burner. As Troy and Abel’s tender getting-to-know-you dates start to progress, Troy finds himself caught between the allure of new love and a long-fought-for second chance with the one who got away. Troy’s roommate Pat is a maybe bisexual activist trying to kick off a political career; Billie, their somewhat intrusive landlord by proxy can’t seem to find her place…. literally; and Lee, an insightful yoga instructor, is trying to heal and channel her inner goddess. As these late twentysomethings navigate their anxieties, life choices, and passions, they find there’s no problem that a night of pizza and wine with friends can’t help fix."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Josh Bonzie, the performance in Best Years feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Jordan Hidalgo is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 50 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Best Years truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Best Years explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2024 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Jordan Hidalgo respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Best Years is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Josh Bonzie or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Best Years is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.