Aziz Ansari’s directorial debut “Good Fortune” brings together an all-star cast—Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, and Sandra Oh—for a sharp, funny, and heartfelt look at wealth, work, and what really matters.
Top Takeaways
- “Good Fortune” released October 17, 2025, and quickly won praise for its clever mix of comedy and social commentary.
- Keanu Reeves shines as Gabriel, a quirky guardian angel who swaps the lives of an overworked gig worker (Aziz Ansari) and a wealthy tech exec (Seth Rogen) with chaotic results.
- The film is inspired by classic comedies like “Trading Places,” but updates its themes for today’s economic divides.
- Critics and audiences both rate the movie highly—Rotten Tomatoes shows an exceptionally rare 78% from both groups.
- The story highlights the realities of the gig economy, privilege, and the enduring search for real happiness.
Swapping Lives, Swapping Lessons
“Good Fortune” follows Arj (Aziz Ansari), a down-on-his-luck gig worker in Los Angeles who can’t seem to catch a break. His world collides with Jeff (Seth Rogen), a cheerful venture capitalist living in luxury. Watching over them is Gabriel (Keanu Reeves), an inept but well-meaning guardian angel yearning for a bigger purpose. When Gabriel decides the two have something to learn from each other, he swaps their lives—believing that each will discover true happiness doesn’t come from wealth or poverty alone.
The swap leads to hilarious and heartfelt chaos: Arj must navigate high society with zero experience, while Jeff faces the realities of grinding gig labor. Meanwhile, Gabriel’s blunders put everyone—including himself—on a wild, uplifting journey.
Cast, Themes, and Critical Response
Starring:
- Aziz Ansari (as Arj)
- Keanu Reeves (as Gabriel)
- Seth Rogen (as Jeff)
- Keke Palmer, Sandra Oh, and more.
Themes:
- Wealth disparity and privilege
- Gig economy struggles
- Human connection and empathy
Critical Responses:
- The New York Times and other outlets praise the movie’s blend of heart and humor, noting it “has bite” but isn’t heavy-handed.
- Rotten Tomatoes scores are a rare match between critics and viewers: 78% each.
- Many say Ansari’s directorial debut captures the spirit of old Hollywood with fresh, relevant energy for today.
“It’s silly and funny, and you never feel like you’re trapped in a civics lecture. ‘Good Fortune’ is amiable but also has some bite.” — TIME Magazine.
Eye-Catching Performances and Cinematic Details
Keanu Reeves in particular has been singled out for his charming, comic turn as Gabriel. Audiences praise the chemistry of the cast, shout out the clever script, and highlight Carter Burwell’s engaging score. The camera work and LA setting keep the movie lively and relatable—even when the characters face hard truths.
Box Office & Release:
- Premiered at Toronto International Film Festival, September 6, 2025.
- US theatrical release: October 17, 2025 (Lionsgate).
- Running time: 1 hr 38 min.
- Languages: English
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
“Good Fortune” — Quick Facts Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Director/Writer | Aziz Ansari |
| Release Date | October 17, 2025 |
| Genre | Comedy, Fantasy |
| Main Cast | Ansari, Reeves, Rogen, Palmer, Oh |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 78% Critics / 78% Audience |
| Box Office | Steady early gross, positive buzz |
| Where to Watch | In theaters now (Lionsgate) |
What’s Next for “Good Fortune” and Aziz Ansari
With buzz from TIFF and a strong opening weekend, “Good Fortune” cements Aziz Ansari’s place as a creative voice in comedy. The film’s critical and audience approval show there’s still an appetite for clever, feel-good movies that tackle modern issues with wit and warmth.
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