I had been looking forward to Good Fortune at TIFF 2025, if not for a light-hearted screening, then definitely for the bunch of Canadians cast in it. Aziz Ansari writes, directs and stars in this comedy, but Seth Rogan, Sandra Oh, and Keanu Reeves fill out our Canadian cast, with Keke Palmer serving as the moral center of the movie. Good Fortune tackles some topical stresses in the world today, and though some moments feel stiff, it was still a great laugh for the entire runtime.
Good Fortune tells the story of Arj, played by Aziz Ansari, as he struggles his way through life financially, emotionally, socially, you name it. Guardian angel Gabriel, played by Keanu Reeves, is also struggling in his life, wanting to find more meaning in his work, and decides to guide Arj, which only ends up making things worse. Seth Rogen plays Jeff, who seems to have the perfect life according to Arj, but when Gabriel has them switch lives to prove being rich isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, Arj finds a loophole and doesn’t want to switch back. Keke Palmer is Arj’s love interest, Elena, and Sandra Oh is Martha, Gabriel’s boss. There. We’re all caught up.
The chemistry between Ansari and Rogen has been well established already and is very evident here. Good Fortune is the best of both actors’ comedic abilities, which carries the film even in some moments that aren’t as exciting. Side characters like fellow workers are especially flat, relying on the A-list actors to carry the scenes. Even Asnari’s own father is in the film, and his skills were far above those of these actors. Sandra Oh had a small role, but her light banter and gentle disappointment in Gabriel.
Seeing Team Canada running the Guardian Angels was a great touch. There are apparently guardian angels for texting and driving, which was Gabriel’s duty, Tsunamis, Literary Inspiration, Avalanches, Lost Souls and more. Gabriel wants to guide Arj as a lost soul, and the relationship between the two is complicated. Reeves plays Gabriel almost child-like, and it lands every time. Something about how literal and simple his character is compared to how boisterous Rogen and Ansari are is a perfect balance. On the Good Fortune red carpet, we heard Ansari mention how Reeves was able to fit in seamlessly, and it really showed.
“Good Fortune is the best of both actors’ comedic abilities, which carries the film even in some moments that aren’t as exciting.”
Keke Palmer was really the moral center of Good Fortune, which is surprising given the whole angel thing. She was kind, sincere and was a good balance to the outrageous comedy and selfishness in the other characters. Her role is less outrageous and more of a grounding force, which is a good balance to the other characters. That being said, the chemistry between her and Ansari was lacking, and the role would have been better written as a friendship.
At the base of Good Fortune, there is actually a pretty dark look at the state of the world right now, where the rich have everything while the poor get poorer and poorer. I really appreciate that the movie didn’t pull the whole “the rich have it hard too” as it really would have weakened the overall message. Though I am sure there are struggles at the top, that’s not what this film was about. That being said, I don’t think it is lost on me that a pile of millionaires are making a movie about how hard it is to be poor or struggling.
Beyond the political message, Good Fortune is also a story about three men who have lost their way and need to learn lessons. It’s about friendship and finding meaning in everything you have. The world is cold when you’re alone, and these men were able to find each other and, with that, find meaning. However, in showing character growth for Jeff, some plot points had to be ignored.
Jeff isn’t supposed to remember anything because if he did, there would be no reason for Arj to continue struggling, etc. When Jeff goes back to his life, he starts making changes with his app, like he had a major epiphany. Which again, shouldn’t have happened if he didn’t remember. You have to have some suspension of disbelief, again…angels, but these points just didn’t quite fit.
All in all, Good Fortune at TIFF 2025 was a constant laugh and a pretty good overall message. Aside from some small plot holes, it was a great time and a great watch, especially if you love Aziz Ansari, Seth Rogen, or Keanu Reeves’ comedy!
