Aziz Ansari’s Good Fortune comprises what simply is likely to be essentially the most endearing character of the yr to date: Gabriel, an earnest angel tasked with stopping folks from texting and driving who is keen to do extra together with his powers of divine intervention. The set-up is already robust, however it turns into even better due to the individual taking part in Gabriel: Keanu Reeves.
For his characteristic directorial debut, just lately premiered on the Toronto Worldwide Movie Competition, Ansari struck gold with Reeves’ casting, since a lot of Good Fortune‘s comedy hinges on the angel. By itself, the film is a witty — if at occasions heavy-handed — piece of commentary on right now’s financial dysfunction and the gig financial system, however it may not have hit as effectively with out Reeves.
Sure he can do extra than simply forestall automobile accidents, Gabriel ignores directions from his superior, Martha (Sandra Oh), and will get concerned with a “misplaced soul,” Ansari’s Arj. Working a minimal wage job and dwelling out of his automobile, Arj is on the finish of his rope and sees little worth in his life. Gabriel needs to avoid wasting him.
Sadly, there is a motive why Gabriel has up to now caught to minor interventions. Good Fortune finds his greatest intentions spiraling additional and additional out of his management, and watching all of it unfold is a delight, particularly since Ansari retains the viewers on their toes with a wide range of twists.
Good Fortune’s Twist-Crammed Story Smooths Over The Blunt Messaging
Arj’s path intersects with that of Jeff (Seth Rogen), a massively rich entrepreneur who appears to don’t know precisely how privileged he’s. He hires Arj to be his assistant, and the 2 get alongside completely — proper up till a easy mistake prompts Jeff to fireplace Arj. With Arj questioning his very existence, Gabriel steps in and decides to make use of the tried-and-true methodology of forcing a life-style swap to present him a brand new objective.
Arj takes over Jeff’s life, since, Gabriel causes, he’ll see that the world of wealth and extra is a hole one. Virtually immediately, the plan goes awry as a result of Arj somewhat likes the soft life he’s been given, and he doesn’t wish to return, even when Jeff is clued in on what’s occurring.
Issues solely escalate from there, however half of the enjoyable of Good Fortune is processing every new swerve as they arrive. Ansari, who additionally wrote the script, retains the plot mild on its ft and at all times transferring, making it an interesting watch. It falters considerably in its total messaging, with some bits of dialogue virtually hitting viewers over the top with its which means.
Even when it’s fairly blunt, although, the message here’s a well timed one, largely specializing in class inequality but additionally getting in just a few jabs at AI. As Jeff is pressured into Arj’s footwear, he begins to appreciate simply how onerous it’s to earn money with no steady job, and whilst he’s largely whining about making an attempt to get again to his life, his worldview is altering.
Rogen and Ansari are a enjoyable comedic pair, taking part in off one another with ease. Each Arj and Jeff go on significant journeys, although, after all, they’re the sorts of arcs you may predict virtually from the beginning. The extra impactful, poignant thread comes from Gabriel, who will get an enormous lesson in what it means to be human and really assist others.
Reeves is ideal for the function, since he one way or the other manages to appear each impressively smart and endearingly naive. Simply strive to not escape in an enormous smile whereas watching him excitedly exclaim, “Rooster nuggies!” It is a far cry from his newest John Wick look in Ballerina earlier this yr. He’s a pleasure to look at each time he comes onscreen.
Exterior of the central trio, Keke Palmer has a key function as Elena, Arj’s crush. She exudes the correct quantity of heat and willpower, although in the end there isn’t rather more to her function than love curiosity. Equally, I needed to see extra from Oh, however her smaller function makes a bit extra sense. Via her, we see extra of the angel hierarchy, and it offers a enjoyable little bit of world-building.
In taking the leap from directing tv to creating a film, Ansari has introduced his acquainted comedic attraction to a strong, authentic story, and the top result’s an all-around good time. Good Fortune will launch nationwide later this fall, and I hope it finds an viewers. Even with some missteps, it’s the type of film I believe will resonate with a great many individuals — and never simply due to our common appreciation for Keanu Reeves.
Good Fortune premiered on the Toronto Worldwide Movie Competition and can launch nationwide on October 17.
Good Fortune
7/10
- Launch Date
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October 17, 2025
- Runtime
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98 Minutes
- Keanu Reeves’ Gabriel is an absolute delight and a spotlight of the film.
- Aziz Ansari brings his ordinary comedic attraction to the film, and it really works.
- The story retains you engaged because it takes so many shocking turns.
- Among the total messaging is a bit heavy-handed.
- Keke Palmer’s character may’ve been given extra to do.