Review of A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) by Jumpcut_Online — 04 Dec 2019

In lesser hands, such moments like the gentle sway of Tom Hanks’ Mr Rogers’ entrance as he delivers the opening of his TV show, or a spontaneous singalong of his theme tune in a New York subway, would be bordering on sickly in their sweetness. It’s in the supreme smarts of director Marielle Heller in pushing Lloyd’s hardships to the forefront of the narrative. Instead of over-indulging in the potential schmaltz of Rogers that allows the film to sidestep these pratfalls, discovering a sincerity and honesty in itself which is deeply affecting. From the outset there’s surreal flourishes to Heller’s direction peppered throughout also, as Rogers positions Lloyd as the key item to discuss on an episode of his show, that only aid the enchanting quality of its central dynamic.

Whilst progress has been made in opening up such conversations, depictions of men being completely vulnerable with their feelings and difficulties, whether it be grief or anxiety is still too few and far between, so to witness the emotionally engaging duel between Tom Hanks and Matthew Rhys, as they look to meet on common ground is downright beautiful and will speak to its viewers in a multitude of ways.