What Is Goodrich About?
The premise of Goodrich in 305 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the sun‑kissed streets of Los Angeles, the art world glitters with both promise and precariousness. Andy Goodrich, a seasoned dealer in his sixties, has spent decades curating masterpieces while keeping his own life a quiet backdrop to the canvas he loves. The boutique gallery he runs is a refuge for eccentric creators, yet beneath its polished façade lies a subtle tension between the pursuit of beauty and the relentless pressure of commerce.
When Naomi, Andy’s much‑younger wife, steps into a 90‑day rehabilitation program, the delicate balance of his existence tilts dramatically. Overnight, the once‑manageable rhythm of weekend show openings and late‑night negotiations gives way to the unpredictable cadence of full‑time parenting. Suddenly, Andy must navigate school drop‑offs, bedtime stories, and the frantic energy of two nine‑year‑old twins, all while confronting a part of himself he has long kept on the periphery.
The unexpected shift also forces Andy to reconnect with Grace, his adult daughter from a previous marriage, whose own life is on the brink of change. Their relationship, long marked by distance and missed moments, becomes a tentative bridge as they seek mutual support amid the swirling demands of family and career. Grace’s presence introduces a fresh perspective on what it means to be present, offering both challenge and encouragement as Andy attempts to redefine his role as a father and a son.
Set against the backdrop of a vibrant yet unforgiving city, the story breathes with a bittersweet, introspective tone. It explores the quiet heroism found in everyday responsibilities, the yearning for connection across generations, and the subtle humor that emerges when life’s grand designs are interrupted by the simple, messy reality of being human. The stage is set for Andy to discover whether the canvas of his own life can be repainted with the colors of empathy, resilience, and renewed purpose.
What Happens in Goodrich?
The complete story of Goodrich, from the first scene to the last, in 639 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Andy Goodrich, a 60-year-old art dealer from Los Angeles, finds himself in a tangled web of family strife and professional despair. His boutique gallery is faltering, and he rarely spends time with his family. One fateful night, he receives an unsettling call from his younger wife, Naomi, who reveals that she has committed herself to a 90-day rehab program to combat her addiction to prescription pills. Furious that he failed to recognize her struggles, she tells Andy she wants a divorce and insists he should not reach out to her. Undeterred, he attempts to visit her at the rehab facility, only to be turned away.
With Naomi absent, Andy grapples with the challenges of parenting his nine-year-old twins, Billie and Mose, fumbling through their routine and missing school drop-offs. In a desperate attempt to shield them from the truth, he concocts a story that Naomi is staying with her mother in St. Louis, yet whispers from the children’s classmates soon reveal her real situation. During this tumultuous time, he befriends Terry, a fellow parent and part-time actor, who is navigating his own heartbreak following his husband’s departure three years earlier.
Andy also struggles to mend his strained relationship with his 36-year-old daughter Grace. The result of his first marriage, Grace was raised largely by her mother Ann while Andy was preoccupied with work. Seeking to reestablish a connection, he reaches out to Grace for assistance with Billie and Mose, leading to more frequent conversations. Grace, however, harbors her own challenges—she is pregnant with her first child alongside her husband, Pete, whom Andy doesn’t fully approve of.
As the mounting pressures of business begin to unfold, Andy’s accountant reveals troubling news: the gallery’s artists are failing to bring in sufficient revenue to counteract steep overhead costs. To turn things around, Andy aims to secure artwork from the estate of Teresa Thompson, a deceased painter, through her daughter, Lola.
Navigating the complexities of fatherhood, rebuilding bonds with Grace, and the salvaging of his gallery keeps Andy busy in the ensuing months. Both his ex-wife Ann and Grace begin to notice that he seems to be in a healthier state, stirring a glimmer of hope in Andy.
After a series of back-and-forth negotiations, Lola finally agrees to sell her mother’s art, prompting Andy to prepare for an upcoming exhibit. However, just when things look promising, Lola unexpectedly retracts her agreement, forcing him to shutter the gallery. During a heartfelt farewell party, he and Grace reflect on his uncertain future—travel, responsibility, and the prospect of becoming a grandfather. He promises to take Grace to her next doctor’s appointment while her mother is out of town.
On Christmas Eve, an unexpected twist arises when Naomi returns home, declaring that she feels better but still wishes to proceed with the divorce. This unexpected visit distracts Andy, leading him to forget to pick Grace up for her appointment. In her frustration, she arrives at the doctor’s office via Uber and unleashes a deluge of pent-up resentment towards Andy: about his absence during her formative years, his unreliability, and her simmering jealousy that her younger siblings are receiving a more present version of their father—just as her water breaks prematurely.
In a frantic rush, Andy takes Grace to the hospital, remaining by her side until Pete arrives. A moment of tension arises as doctors express concern over the baby’s heart rate, suggesting an emergency c-section may be needed. However, with Pete’s calm presence, Grace is able to remain steady enough to deliver. Overwhelmed with emotion, Andy watches as his grandchild enters the world, knowing that she will have a loving father who can give her the attention he once failed to provide.
Grace successfully gives birth to a beautiful baby girl, and in a touching moment, Andy holds her while Billie and Mose gaze on with wonder.
Goodrich Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Andy's Crisis” to “A Family Moment”. 5 events name a place, across 3 locations.
- 1
Andy's Crisis
Andy Goodrich, a 60-year-old art dealer from Los Angeles, faces a deep personal and professional crisis. His boutique gallery is struggling, and his relationship with his family is almost non-existent, highlighting his emotional disconnect.
Where:Los Angeles
- 2
Naomi's Confession
One fateful night, Andy receives a troubling call from his younger wife, Naomi, who reveals that she has committed herself to a 90-day rehab program due to her addiction to prescription pills. In a moment of anger and fear, she tells Andy she wants a divorce, which leaves him reeling with guilt and confusion.
- 3
Struggles with Parenting
With Naomi away, Andy finds himself ineffectively navigating the challenges of parenting their nine-year-old twins, Billie and Mose. He struggles to manage their routine, often missing school drop-offs, while trying to protect them from the painful truth of their mother's absence.
- 4
The Fib to Children
Desperate to shield his children from the reality of Naomi's rehab, Andy fabricates a story that she is visiting her mother in St. Louis. However, whispers from classmates soon reveal the truth, exacerbating his feelings of helplessness as a parent.
- 5
Meeting Terry
During this turbulent period, Andy befriends Terry, a fellow parent and part-time actor who is also coping with the heartache of his husband's departure three years prior. Their friendship provides Andy with much-needed support and a sounding board for his struggles.
- 6
Reconnecting with Grace
Striving to mend his fractured relationship with Grace, his 36-year-old daughter, Andy reaches out for her help with the twins. Their conversations increase, slowly bridging the gap that years of neglect created, though unresolved tensions linger.
- 7
Grace's Pregnancy
As Andy tries to reconnect, he learns that Grace is pregnant with her first child, a situation he views with mixed emotions, especially toward her husband Pete, whom he does not fully approve of. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to their relationship.
- 8
Financial Woes
Simultaneously, Andy faces disheartening news from his accountant about the gallery's financial situation. As artists struggle to generate enough revenue amidst high overhead costs, Andy becomes increasingly anxious to rectify the situation before it's too late.
- 9
Securing Teresa's Artwork
To revitalize his business, Andy focuses on obtaining artwork from the estate of the late Teresa Thompson through her daughter, Lola. After extensive negotiations, he finally secures the agreement that he hopes will save his gallery.
- 10
Gallery Closure
Just as Andy thinks he has turned a corner, Lola unexpectedly retracts her agreement to sell her mother's art, forcing him to shut down the gallery. This setback leaves Andy contemplating his uncertain future and his role as a father and business owner.
Show the other 5 events of Goodrich Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Christmas Eve Surprise
On Christmas Eve, in a shocking twist, Naomi returns home, claiming to feel better but still wanting a divorce. This unexpected visit rattles Andy, further complicating his life as he balances his responsibility toward his children.
When:Christmas Eve
- 12
The Frustration Explodes
In a moment of frustration, Grace confronts Andy at the doctor's office after he forgets to pick her up for an important appointment. Their fight reveals deep-seated resentments stemming from Andy's past neglect, just as Grace goes into premature labor.
Where:Doctor's Office
- 13
Rush to the Hospital
A frantic Andy rushes Grace to the hospital as they prepare for her to give birth. The situation becomes tense when doctors express concerns over the baby's heart rate, leading to discussions of an emergency c-section, while Pete provides a calming presence.
Where:Hospital
- 14
Birth of Granddaughter
Despite the initial concerns, Grace successfully delivers a healthy baby girl, and Andy witnesses the birth with overwhelming emotion. He realizes that this new life will have the loving father he lacked, bringing a sense of hope and renewal.
Where:Hospital
- 15
A Family Moment
In a touching moment, Andy cradles his newborn granddaughter while Billie and Mose watch in awe. This new addition to the family symbolizes a fresh start and a newfound connection for Andy as he embraces his role in their lives.
Where:Hospital
Who Are the Main Characters in Goodrich?
5 characters, among them Andy Goodrich (Michael Keaton), Billie (Vivien Lyra Blair) and Grace (Mila Kunis): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 4 of them link to the actor’s page.
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Andy Goodrich (Michael Keaton)
Played by Michael Keaton
Andy is a 60-year-old art dealer grappling with personal and professional turmoil. As a father and husband, his emotional absence has led to strained relationships with his family. Despite his flaws, he demonstrates a capacity for growth as he navigates the complexities of fatherhood and seeks redemption in his roles.
- 👨👧👦 Fatherhood
- 🎨 Art Dealer
- 💔 Struggles
-
Billie (Vivien Lyra Blair)
Played by Vivien Lyra Blair
Billie is one of Andy's nine-year-old twins. She represents innocence and the joy of childhood, yet she is also acutely aware of the tensions in her family. Her character embodies the emotional challenges children face when dealing with parental issues and the need for reassurance in times of turmoil.
- 👧 Child
- 🌟 Innocence
- 💔 Family
-
Grace (Mila Kunis)
Played by Mila Kunis
Grace, Andy's 36-year-old daughter, struggles to establish her own identity while dealing with the shadow of her father's absence. Her pregnancy adds a layer of complexity, as she navigates the pressures of impending motherhood while longing for a more meaningful relationship with her father.
- 👩🦰 Daughter
- 🤰 Expecting
- 💔 Reconnection
-
Naomi (Laura Benanti)
Played by Laura Benanti
Naomi is Andy's younger wife, whose struggles with addiction propel much of the film's conflict. Her decision to seek help marks a pivotal moment in the story, and her relationship with Andy showcases the challenges of supporting a partner in crisis while grappling with personal regrets.
- 👩❤️👨 Wife
- 💔 Addiction
- 🌱 Recovery
- T(
Terry (Unknown Actor)
Terry is a fellow parent and part-time actor who becomes a crucial ally for Andy during his familial struggles. His own experiences with heartbreak provide a backdrop for their friendship, emphasizing the theme of shared understanding and support in challenging times.
- 🤝 Friendship
- 🎭 Actor
- 💔 Heartbreak
Where and When Is Goodrich Set?
Goodrich is set in Los Angeles (Present Day). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Present Day
The film takes place in the present day, a time marked by significant social change and heightened awareness of mental health issues. Issues such as addiction and family dynamics are explored, reflecting contemporary societal challenges faced by many.
Where
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a vibrant city known for its entertainment industry, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. Known as 'the City of Angels,' it is home to numerous art galleries, museums, and theaters, making it a hub for creative expression. The city's blend of cultures contributes to its unique culinary and artistic scene.
- 🌆 City
- 🎨 Art District
What Are the Themes of Goodrich?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Family Struggles, Art and Redemption and New Beginnings.
-
01
Family Struggles
The film delves into the complexities of family relationships, particularly those strained by addiction and emotional absence. Andy's journey illustrates the challenges of reconnecting with loved ones amidst personal crisis and the impact of parental neglect. It reflects on the hope of rebuilding bonds and the transformative power of forgiveness.
-
02
Art and Redemption
Art serves as a central motif, symbolizing both personal expression and the challenges of livelihood. Andy's struggles with his art gallery mirror his personal battles, highlighting the theme of seeking redemption through creativity and connection. The pursuit of art amidst adversity underscores the need for passion and purpose in life.
-
03
New Beginnings
The arrival of a new grandchild represents hope and the possibility of change. Andy's role as a grandfather offers him a chance to redefine his legacy and make amends for past regrets. This theme emphasizes the cycles of life and the potential for growth even in the face of challenges.
What Kind of Film Is Goodrich?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A steady-paced, bittersweet family drama that explores a flawed father's stressful but ultimately redemptive journey through divorce, single parenthood, and strained relationships, culminating in moments of tender hope and personal growth.
- reflective
- hopeful
- melancholic
- familial
- stressful
- tender
- fatherhood
- divorce
- addiction recovery
- family dynamics
Content notes: addiction, divorce, childbirth complications.
Quiz
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