Merry Good Enough looks like it is going to be just another Christmas movie. An office party is about to start, but Lucy (Raye Levine) is clearly not interested. One of her co-workers even warns her that no one likes a Grinch. It turns out that it is not so much about Lucy disliking the holidays as it is her complicated relationship with her dysfunctional family. And when her mother suddenly disappears, they all must find a way to work together.
The film is much more grounded than the normal Yuletide fare. There is often an air of frustration during Merry Good Enough. The difference is it is not always played for laughs. Directors Dan Kennedy and Caroline Keene (who also wrote the movie) do not try to take audiences to a magical winter wonderland. They pull them into a more relatable world.
As Christmas movies go, Merry Good Enough is a heavy watch. There is a sincerity to the performances that keeps things engaging. This is seen most in the argument between Lucy and her mother Carol (Susan Gallagher) right before the disappearance. It is not over the top and lacks in theatrics, and instead has stinging comments that showcase the issues that run deep in the family.
The script is at its best when the focus is on the search for Carol. There are a number of subplots that come up over the course of the movie, but none of them add anything to the characters or the story. They are never outright distracting, but enough time is put into some of them to make anyone wonder what was the point.
Merry Good Enough aims to provide a more authentic holiday viewing experience. While the main premise is more than what most families will experience – hopefully! – the relationships between the families and those in their orbit will be very familiar. It is a refresh watch for the season.
Merry Good Enough will be available on digital December 19th
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