Watch Say Goodnight

Say Goodnight is an indie film from 2008 that offers a slice-of-life perspective on a group of friends in their mid-30s. The film follows the character of Tommy (played by Rob Benedict) and his group of college friends as they reunite after 10 years apart to attend the funeral of their friend Tyler. As the group comes together, they reminisce about old times and catch up on what's been happening in their lives. Tommy, who has recently become a father and is now living in Los Angeles, has grown more reserved and introverted since he last saw his old friends. His friends, on the other hand, are still living the carefree life they enjoyed in college, dating and partying without much of a care in the world.

One friend, Lawson (played by Christopher Gessner), has never really settled down and has been coasting along, working at his father's car dealership and spending his free time picking up women in bars. Another friend, Trudy (played by Smith Cho), is a struggling actress who is still chasing her dreams of making it big in Hollywood. As they all reunite, the group realizes that they've all taken different paths and that time has started to catch up with them.

Throughout the movie, we get glimpses into each character's life and how they've changed since the last time they were all together. We see the cracks in their relationships and how their friendships have drifted apart. Though they all come together for Tyler's funeral, it's clear that they've all moved on to some extent and that their reunion is bittersweet.

One of the strengths of the film is the chemistry between the group of friends. Their conversations and interactions feel natural, and there are moments that are both funny and poignant. The film also does a good job of capturing the feeling of nostalgia and the longing for the past. We see the characters return to familiar places and reminisce about old times, but we also see how much has changed and how difficult it is to recapture what once was.

Say Goodnight isn't a plot-driven movie, but more of a character study that explores themes of friendship, identity, and growing up. While there are some conflicts and tensions that arise between the characters, the film is more concerned with exploring their inner lives and how they've changed over the years.

One of the standout performances in the film is Rob Benedict's portrayal of Tommy. Benedict brings a quiet intensity to the character, conveying the sense of someone who has been through a lot and is still grappling with his place in the world. The chemistry between Benedict and Smith Cho's character Trudy is also noteworthy, as the two have a complicated history and unresolved feelings for each other.

Overall, Say Goodnight is a nuanced and understated indie film that explores the complexities of friendship and adulthood. While it may not have a traditional narrative structure, the film's strength lies in its characters and their interactions with each other. For anyone who has felt the pang of nostalgia or the bittersweet feeling of reunions with old friends, Say Goodnight offers a relatable and honest portrayal of these emotions.