The Best You Can is not your typical Netflix romantic comedy — and that’s exactly its strength. Starring real-life couple Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, the film leans into emotional realism rather than glossy fantasy. It explores second chances, late-life connection, caregiving, regret, and the quiet ways people find comfort in each other. With grounded performances, thoughtful writing, and a tone that balances humor with emotional weight, The Best You Can offers a rom-com experience designed for grown-ups. Here’s a full, spoiler-light review to help you decide whether it deserves a spot on your watchlist.
What Is The Best You Can About?
At its heart, The Best You Can is a story about two people who feel stuck — emotionally, professionally, and personally — and what happens when their paths unexpectedly cross.
Kyra Sedgwick plays Cynthia, a successful urologist in New York City whose life looks stable on the surface but feels deeply exhausting underneath. She’s trapped in a long, emotionally draining marriage and juggling responsibilities that leave little room for joy.
Kevin Bacon plays Stan, a security guard drifting through life with unresolved regrets, strained family relationships, and a lingering sense that he never lived up to his own expectations.
When a chance encounter brings them together, their connection unfolds slowly — not through grand gestures or instant attraction, but through shared vulnerability, honesty, and humor born from life experience.
A Rom-Com That Grows Up With Its Audience
One of the most refreshing things about The Best You Can is its refusal to pretend that love is simple.
This film understands that romance doesn’t end at a certain age — but it does change. There are no montages of makeover transformations or dramatic misunderstandings driven by miscommunication. Instead, the movie focuses on emotional labor, compromise, and the reality of caring for others while trying not to lose yourself.
It’s a romantic comedy that feels intentionally designed for viewers who’ve lived a little — and who appreciate stories that respect their intelligence.
Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick’s Natural Chemistry
There’s something undeniably special about watching Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick share the screen.
Because they’re married in real life, their chemistry doesn’t feel manufactured. It feels comfortable, lived-in, and honest. They don’t oversell the romance — they let it breathe.
Bacon’s Stan is understated and quietly charming, a man who masks disappointment with dry humor. Sedgwick’s Cynthia is sharp, compassionate, and emotionally worn down in ways that feel deeply relatable.
Together, they create a dynamic that feels less like a movie romance and more like two real people slowly letting their guard down.
Performances That Carry Emotional Weight
Kevin Bacon as Stan
Bacon delivers one of his most restrained performances in years. Stan isn’t flashy or overtly charismatic — he’s tired, thoughtful, and often unsure of himself. Bacon plays him with empathy rather than self-pity, making Stan easy to root for without turning him into a cliché.
Kyra Sedgwick as Cynthia
Sedgwick brings nuance and depth to Cynthia. She portrays a woman who has spent years putting others first and is now grappling with emotional burnout. Her performance balances strength and vulnerability, capturing the quiet frustration of someone who feels unseen in her own life.
Supporting Cast
The supporting characters — including family members and coworkers — add texture rather than distraction. They help ground the story in everyday reality, reinforcing the film’s themes of responsibility, aging, and emotional connection.
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Humor That Feels Human, Not Forced
While The Best You Can tackles heavy topics, it never loses its sense of humor.
The comedy here is subtle and character-driven. It comes from awkward silences, honest conversations, and the absurdity of life’s small moments rather than punchlines or exaggerated setups.
This kind of humor won’t appeal to viewers looking for laugh-out-loud comedy — but for those who appreciate dry wit and emotional honesty, it lands beautifully.
Themes That Set the Film Apart
Second Chances
The film explores the idea that it’s never too late to change course. Not in dramatic, life-altering ways — but through small, meaningful choices that add up over time.
Emotional Labor
Cynthia’s journey highlights how caregiving and responsibility can quietly erode personal happiness. The film treats this reality with compassion rather than judgment.
Aging and Identity
Stan’s storyline addresses what it means to look back on your life and wonder if you made the right choices — a theme rarely explored honestly in romantic comedies.
Connection Over Perfection
Rather than presenting love as flawless, the film embraces imperfections. It suggests that connection isn’t about fixing each other — it’s about understanding and acceptance.
Pacing: Slow, Intentional, and Thoughtful
The Best You Can moves at a measured pace — and that’s by design.
The film gives scenes time to breathe, allowing emotions to develop naturally. Conversations aren’t rushed. Moments of silence are just as important as dialogue.
For some viewers, this pacing may feel slow. But for others, it creates space for emotional resonance, making the payoff feel earned rather than manufactured.
How It Compares to Typical Netflix Rom-Coms
Netflix has built a reputation for fast, formulaic romantic comedies aimed at easy viewing. The Best You Can deliberately goes in the opposite direction.
It’s closer to a romantic dramedy than a traditional rom-com. There are fewer tropes, less spectacle, and more introspection.
That difference may limit its mass appeal — but it also gives the film a stronger identity. It’s not trying to please everyone, and that confidence works in its favor.
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Why This Film Feels Timely
In a streaming landscape dominated by escapism, The Best You Can feels quietly radical.
It acknowledges burnout, emotional fatigue, and the complexities of modern adulthood — themes that resonate strongly with viewers navigating similar challenges.
The film doesn’t offer easy solutions. Instead, it offers recognition — and sometimes, that’s more powerful.
Is The Best You Can Entertaining?
Entertainment is subjective, and this film redefines what entertainment can look like.
If you equate entertainment with spectacle and constant stimulation, this may not be your favorite watch. But if you value emotional depth, strong performances, and storytelling that mirrors real life, The Best You Can delivers something genuinely meaningful.
It’s the kind of movie that lingers after the credits roll.
Stream It or Skip It?
You Should Stream The Best You Can If:
- You enjoy character-driven stories
- You appreciate mature, realistic romance
- You’re a fan of Kevin Bacon or Kyra Sedgwick
- You want a thoughtful alternative to typical rom-coms
You Might Skip It If:
- You prefer fast-paced, high-energy films
- You’re looking for escapist comedy
- You dislike slow-burn storytelling
- You want predictable romantic tropes
Final Verdict: A Quietly Powerful Rom-Com
The Best You Can may not dominate trending lists — but it doesn’t need to.
This is a film made with care, intention, and emotional intelligence. It respects its audience, trusts its performances, and finds beauty in ordinary moments.
For viewers willing to meet it on its own terms, The Best You Can is a rewarding, heartfelt watch — and one of Netflix’s more mature romantic offerings in recent memory.
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FAQs
What genre is The Best You Can?
It’s best described as a romantic dramedy with strong character focus.
Is The Best You Can a traditional rom-com?
No. It avoids common rom-com tropes in favor of realism and emotional depth.
Who stars in The Best You Can?
Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick lead the cast.
Is the movie suitable for casual viewing?
It’s better suited for focused viewing, as it relies on subtle storytelling.
Is The Best You Can worth watching?
Yes — especially if you enjoy thoughtful, mature stories about connection and growth.
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I’m Atul Kumar, founder of Cine Storytellers and an entertainment creator with 5+ years of experience. I cover films, celebrities, music, and OTT content with a focus on accurate, ethical, and engaging storytelling. My goal is to bring readers trustworthy entertainment news that informs, inspires, and goes beyond gossip.
