Watch Now Is Good

Now Is Good is a 2012 British drama film directed by Ol Parker and based on the novel Before I Die by Jenny Downham. The movie follows the story of Tessa Scott (Dakota Fanning), a teenager in the final stages of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Aware that she only has a few months left to live, Tessa decides to create a bucket list of things she wants to experience before she dies. With the help of her best friend Zoey (Kaya Scodelario), Tessa embarks on an emotional journey to fulfill her dreams.

The film opens with a black screen and the sound of heavy breathing, setting a somber and emotional tone from the start. We meet Tessa, who is struggling with the side effects of chemotherapy and trying to make the most of the time she has left. Her father, Graham (Paddy Considine), is supportive but distant, while her mother, Vivienne (Olivia Williams), is overbearing and overprotective. But despite the challenges, Tessa remains determined to live life to the fullest.

The heart of the movie is Tessa's relationship with Adam (Jeremy Irvine), a neighbor and former schoolmate who becomes her first love. Adam is a free spirit, passionate about photography and eager to help Tessa cross items off her list. The chemistry between Fanning and Irvine is palpable, and their scenes together are tender and bittersweet. As they spend more time together, Tessa starts to open up about her fears and regrets, and Adam becomes a source of comfort and inspiration.

Throughout the film, Tessa checks off a series of items on her bucket list, some lighthearted (such as shoplifting or skinny dipping) and others more meaningful (like reconciling with her estranged father or losing her virginity). Each item is marked with a simple text overlay on the screen, creating a visual countdown of Tessa's remaining time. This device is effective in building tension and emphasizing the urgency of her situation.

As the movie progresses, Tessa's health deteriorates, and the tone becomes increasingly melancholic. The final act is particularly devastating, as Tessa and her loved ones come to terms with the fact that her time is running out. Dakota Fanning delivers a raw and vulnerable performance, capturing Tessa's fierce determination and heartbreaking vulnerability. The supporting cast is also strong, with Considine and Williams providing nuanced and sympathetic portrayals of Tessa's parents.

While Now Is Good could easily have veered into melodrama or sentimentality, it manages to stay grounded thanks to Parker's understated direction and the skilled performances of the cast. The film doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of terminal illness, but it also celebrates the beauty and joy of life. The ending is both devastating and cathartic, a testament to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. Overall, Now Is Good is a poignant and unforgettable film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Now Is Good is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.