Watch Goodbye Baby

Goodbye Baby, released in 2007, is an independent comedy-drama that explores themes of aging, loss, and family relationships. Directed by Daniel Schechter and written by both Schechter and his lead actor, Christine Evangelista, it follows the complicated life of a young woman named Melissa (Evangelista) who must confront her troubled past after the death of her estranged, elderly father.

When the story begins, Melissa is living in New York City and working as an aspiring actress. Despite her seemingly successful and glamorous lifestyle, Melissa's world is turned upside down when she receives news from her older sister, Wendy (Ali Larter), that their father has passed away. The sisters have a strained relationship, and Melissa is hesitant to return home to her small hometown of Rosedale, New Jersey, even for her father's funeral.

After Wendy pleads with her, Melissa reluctantly makes the trip back, where she is confronted with the reality of her father's declining health in his final years. Although she initially struggles to find common ground with her father's caretaker, a kind and patient man named Lenny (Jerry Adler), Melissa soon discovers that her father had been hiding a secret from her for years. As she unravels the mystery of her father's past, Melissa must also come to terms with her own feelings of guilt and regret over the way she treated him in the past.

Along the way, Melissa reconnects with other figures from her past, including her high school boyfriend, Danny (Hunter Bell), and a local bar owner named Chris (Jay Black), who helps her come to terms with her own demons. With each encounter, Melissa gains a new perspective on her life and the importance of family, even the imperfect ones.

Goodbye Baby is an emotionally charged film that deals with weighty subject matter. However, it is also infused with moments of humor that help to balance the tone and keep it from becoming overly depressing. The script is sharp and engaging, with naturalistic dialogue that feels true to life. The performances, particularly from Evangelista, are superb, with her portrayal of Melissa feeling authentic and heartfelt. Adler is also noteworthy as Lenny, delivering a nuanced and understated performance that is both charming and poignant.

The film's visuals are similarly effective, with the small town setting of Rosedale lending the story a sense of intimacy and familiarity. The cinematography is simple but effective, with shots that capture the essence of the different characters and their surroundings. The film's score is also noteworthy, with evocative and melancholic compositions that complement the emotional content perfectly.

Overall, Goodbye Baby is a touching and sincere film that explores complex themes with sensitivity and insight. It is a reminder of the importance of family and the power of forgiveness, even in the face of past mistakes. The film is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with their relationships with their loved ones, making it a must-see for audiences who appreciate thoughtful and nuanced storytelling.

Goodbye Baby is a 2007 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.