“Good Fortune,” written and directed by Aziz Ansari, is a whimsical romantic comedy that artfully merges humor, heart, and a touch of fantasy. It poses a thought-provoking question: Does money truly solve life’s problems, or can hope emerge from more inherently human experiences?
The story revolves around Gabriel, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, who is a low-ranking guardian angel on a mission that, while modest, is crucial: he prevents people from dying while texting and driving. With his small wings and gentle approach, Gabriel saves lives at critical moments, using nothing more than a comforting hand on a distracted driver’s shoulder. However, his admirable intentions come with a significant flaw—Gabriel tends to interfere too much, striving to directly fix lives without fully grasping the complexities of human existence.
This misunderstanding forms the film’s central conflict. In a bid to demonstrate to Arj, played by Aziz Ansari—a struggling gig worker and part-time hardware-store employee—that money cannot resolve his issues, Gabriel comically swaps Arj’s life with that of his affluent tech billionaire boss, Jeff (Seth Rogen). This ill-fated plan sets off a series of irreversible consequences that can only be rectified if Gabriel earns back his wings, enabling him to restore normalcy to everyone’s lives.
Before the swap, Arj’s life is depicted with stark realism—sleeping in his car, juggling multiple odd jobs, and facing daily humiliations that come with economic precarity. When he suddenly finds himself in the lap of luxury, residing in a vast mansion and enjoying comforts he never dreamed of, the relief is palpable. The film illustrates that comfort, although seductive, can provide respite even amid chaos, allowing for moments of joy without looming burdens.
“Good Fortune” asserts that true hope does not stem from wealth or divine interventions but rather from surviving long enough to confront our fears and connect with others. Gabriel’s punishment for meddling is severe; his wings are stripped away, thrusting him into human existence where he must navigate the complexities of daily life—including the bewildering reality of a paycheque filled with deductions. This fails to only offer a comical perspective on modern labor but highlights the often harsh reality many individuals face.
As Gabriel grapples with his newfound human experiences—falling in love with fast food, navigating the wonders of the internet, and chasing lofty dreams—he slowly realizes the true challenges of existence. He comes to appreciate that survival often demands relentless labor and resilience.
Conversely, Jeff’s descent into the less glamorous aspects of life provides biting humor throughout the film. His obliviousness leads to various uncomfortable and absurd situations, culminating in a realization of empathy and responsibility toward those affected by his wealth.
The narrative intensifies following a texting-and-driving accident that places Arj in a coma—the very scenario Gabriel existed to prevent. Upon waking, Arj feigns memory loss to stay in his privileged life, driven by the newfound ease that wealth has provided. This hesitation is treated compassionately; the film acknowledges that the allure of comfort can leave one fearful of returning to the struggles of daily life.
Elena, played by Keke Palmer, emerges as a moral compass. Her commitment to unionization and enhancing working conditions reinforces the film’s message—that self-worth is not defined by wealth. Martha, portrayed by Sandra Oh, serves as Gabriel’s supervisor, subtly guiding him towards understanding that hope flourishes through human connections and shared struggles.
Ultimately, Gabriel’s journey culminates in insight, leading him to earn back his wings. He learns to appreciate what it truly means to be human, filled with compassion and clarity. In a twist of fate, Arj decides to return to his old life, motivated not by guilt, but by hope. This decision leads Jeff to use his restored power to advocate for better labor practices, while Gabriel returns to his duties with newfound wisdom.
“Good Fortune” beautifully encapsulates the notion that real hope does not simply arise from financial means or divine interventions, but rather from resilience in the face of adversity and the joy found in human connections. The film reinforces the importance of companionship, even of the simplest forms—like the act of an angel gently guiding someone away from peril.
Through this heartfelt narrative, viewers are reminded that sometimes, all a lost soul needs is another person to help guide them back to the light. In a world seemingly driven by material wealth, “Good Fortune” serves as a celebratory reminder that true joy and fulfillment come from surviving, connecting, and nurturing hope in one another.