Merry Good Enough

Merry Good Enough is a great watch for anyone wanting to see the functionality of a dysfunctional American family during the holidays. Heart warming and sharp, the film deals with 'adulting' for both generations of a family of five plus the small town locals who they have all grown up with. What makes Merry Good Enough fresh is you can feel the film comes from the community where it's being made. Taking you to New England area, it's not an overly sappy or romantic view of the holidays but rather a grounded in reality experience that a lot of families go through over the holidays. Great performances from Raye Levine, Joel Murray, Daniel Desmarais, Comfort Clinton, Susan Gallagher and Sawyer Spielburg.

Merry Good Enough is destined to become a Christmas classic. The story line and characters are familiar to us because we have all experience them. But they are reflected back to us with such warmth and humor that our attention never flags. There are none of the over-the-top plots or caricatured performances here, just sensitive, nuanced portrayals of our friends and families dealing with issues that seem to surface every holiday season. So why is the film so riveting? It is because we are drawn into a world that is deep within our personal experience, but not so intimate that our thoughts turn inward. Instead, we feel only love, and empathy for the characters and joy at their triumphs. The casting was superb. Each actor displayed a range of skills from comedic timing to genuine emotional vulnerability. The direction, editing and music were worthy of a big budget film. But, this is an "Indy" produced on a shoestring, making it worthy of "Christmas miracle" status.

There's something so great the overall mise en scène of this movie and my guess it has to do something with the setting and where it was filmed (which I read was somewhere in Massachusetts). The cozy home interiors, snow dusted rural off roads, even the artificial decor of a Chinese restaurant, all of it, i believe, will elicit the nostalgic feeling of Christmas past in many viewers.

The cinematography is very good too. As well as costuming and art. It feels like a real Christmas.

Oh and the story is good too. None of that hallmark sludgy saccharine nonsense. Real enough to feel authentic without being too dark for the holidays. Just right. "good enough" one might say.

This is a film with great characters, that captures the complexities of family relationships - the love that ultimately overrides the messiness, and differences.

It is not a cookie cutter Christmas film so I appreciate some may not want this from a cosy feel good sugar coated holiday watch.. However, for me it had an authenticity and was relatable, which makes me connect more deeply and become more invested.

Ultimately uplifting and more indie vibes, with a note of quirkiness I'm always a suckered for!

Fabulous cast and performances.

I hope to see more films made by this director and will be recommending ot to friends I know appreciate films with these vibes.

"Merry Good Enough" is a delightful film that really dives into the whole complex family dynamics storyline. It's got a perfect mix of engagement, heart, and holiday humor that just makes you laugh, cringe at times, and feel the festive holiday spirit.

Raye Levine totally owns it as Lucy, smoothly handling all the craziness of her quirky family. When Lucy's mom disappears on Christmas Eve, you can't help but root for her as she tries to bring everyone back together. I totally got where Lucy was coming from - wanting that close bond with her mom, even if it meant dealing with some clashes along the way.

The movie wraps up with a heartwarming family reunion, kinda like the chaotic but awesome gatherings I've had with my own family. "Merry Good Enough" is a must-watch, giving your holiday movie lineup a cool and fresh twist with its sweet storyline.