Now Is Good

It's hard not to feel a tug at your heartstrings when watching 'Now Is Good.' However, the film sometimes leans heavily into cliché, which can detract from its emotional heft.

Bucket List Before Goodbye

Tessa Scott (Dakota Fanning) is a seventeen-year-old girl battling leukemia, and she decides to create a bucket list of experiences she wants to fulfill before her life comes to an end. At the top of her list is a desire to lose her virginity, which leads her to seek out a relationship with the charming Adam (Jeremy Irvine). The film navigates the challenges of youth, love, and the stark reality of terminal illness, as Tessa attempts to seize the remaining moments of her life in a way that feels both meaningful and impactful. The story, based on the novel by Jenny Downham, offers a mix of romance and emotional struggles but often follows predictable paths.

Strong Performances, Weak Characters

Dakota Fanning delivers a heartfelt performance as Tessa, successfully embodying a mix of vulnerability and determination. Jeremy Irvine provides a charming counterbalance, though his character often feels underdeveloped and lacks depth, leaving viewers wanting more from his backstory. Kaya Scodelario as Tessa's friend Zoey adds some lightness but doesn't have enough screen time to make a lasting impression. The supporting cast, including Olivia Williams and Paddy Considine as Tessa's parents, are competent but occasionally slip into tired tropes of overprotective parents, failing to bring anything fresh to the narrative.

Soft Lights, Uneven Pacing

Ol Parker's direction has a gentle, almost nostalgic feel to it, effectively capturing the bittersweet moments of Tessa's life. The cinematography is solid, with soft lighting and picturesque settings that complement the film's tone. However, the pacing can feel uneven, especially in the second act, where the emotional beats sometimes drag on longer than necessary. The visuals do a decent job of evoking a sense of longing, but they occasionally veer into the territory of melodrama, further emphasizing the film's reliance on familiar tropes rather than innovative storytelling.

Tugging at Heartstrings

Watching 'Now Is Good' can be an emotional experience, but it also has its frustrating moments. The film prompts a mix of poignant reflections and eye-rolls at its more predictable elements, such as the bucket list trope. While there are moments that genuinely hit hard, particularly around Tessa's relationships and her battles with her illness, the film sometimes resorts to melodrama that feels forced. There are scenes where it feels like the filmmakers are trying too hard to make you cry, which can be off-putting and detracts from the more genuine emotional exchanges.