Is Better Days Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Better Days is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Better Days Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2019, Better Days emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of At his best friend's New Year's Eve party, Gary desperately tries to spark the interest of Ann, his ex-girlfriend, without letting his friends embarrass him, but ends up receiving devastating news instead. Unlike standard genre fare, Better Days attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Alessio Di Giambattista, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Comedy elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Better Days features a noteworthy lineup led by Cody Brotter. Supported by the likes of Zachary Mooren and Mitch Eakins, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Cody Brotter, Zachary Mooren, Mitch Eakins manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2019 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Comedy, Drama space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Better Days is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Better Days follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 90 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Better Days resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Comedy landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 5.1/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Better Days is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. At his best friend's New Year's Eve party, Gary desperately tries to spark the interest of Ann, his ex-girlfriend, without letting his friends embarrass him, but ends up receiving devastating news instead.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Better Days (2019) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 5.1/10 and strong performance metrics in the Comedy, Drama categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Cody Brotter, Zachary Mooren, Mitch Eakins or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Better Days is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2019. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch Better Days Online?
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Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Better Days has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.1/10, and global collection metrics, Better Days stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2019 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Better Days movie hit or flop?
Better Days has received mixed reviews with a 5.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Better Days worth watching?
Better Days is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Better Days online?
Better Days may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
At his best friend's New Year's Eve party, Gary desperately tries to spark the interest of Ann, his ex-girlfriend, without letting his friends embarrass him, but ends up receiving devastating news instead.