The Bachelors (2017) User Reviews

Hard to watch but really good

[bastos · 7/10 · 31 December 2020]

As the movie started I was expecting a light rom com about overcoming loss. What I got was a coming of age story mixed with gut wrenching moments about mental illness, depression and how to deal with loss. I like to be surprised, and this movie definitely did that, as it goes places I wasn't expecting, with great acting by everyone, which helps sell the drama and makes it even harder to watch. Due to its theme this is not an easy movie, and I can understand that sometimes people don't want to see movies like this, but if you can stomach it it's well worth the ride.

Good little movie about getting through life's challenges

[info-90701 · 8/10 · 14 November 2021]

J. K. Simmons is always a delight to watch and he delivers well as a depressed widower struggling to find his footing again in life after losing a wife of several decades. He and his son work hard to find their footing in a new town, and new situations. It is an examination of how much will plays a part in how a person processes grief from, and the ultimate mechanisms at play in that examination.

The acting on all levels is excellent, as is the direction, screenwriting, music, editing and overall delivery of this film.

Great little, quiet film.

Surprisingly Not bad..:)

[battlebuckships · 7/10 · 18 March 2018]

Now this film I liked, has the human emotion that we all feel at times. The actors we right on point and we'll balanced, story was nice. This is a good watch, not great! but a good piece of work.

Two romantic comedies in one

[Gordon-11 · 22 December 2017]

This film tells the story of a man and his teenage son, who struggles to cope with the death of their wife and mother.

It is unusual to have a romantic comedy set in such dire backdrop, but in here it works. The two budding romances are convincing and engaging. I enjoyed watching it.

Emotional...

[Thanos_Alfie · 6/10 · 2 April 2021]

"The Bachelors" is a Comedy - Drama movie in which we watch a father with his son changing town, school and job after the death of his wife. They both have to adapt in their new lives and deal with this big loss in order to continue their lives.

I liked this movie because it had a simple but very interesting and emotional plot. The direction which was made by Kurt Voelker, it was good and he presented very well both the plot of the movie and his main characters, their feelings, their relationships with each other and also their plans and dreams. For one more time the interpretation of J. K. Simmons who played as Bill Palet was simply outstanding and I believe he did an excellent job. Some other interpretations that have to be mentioned were Josh Wiggins' who played as Wes Palet, Julie Delpy's who played as Carine and Odeya Rush's who played as Lacy Westman. Lastly, I have to say that "The Bachelors" is a nice movie that presents with a very interesting and clever way a sensitive subject, I highly recommend everyone to watch it.

everybody hurts

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 27 December 2017]

Bill Palet (J.K. Simmons) is still depressed by the death of his wife a year earlier. He and his teen son Wes (Josh Wiggins) move out of their home and into a new life at a private school. Wes is partnered with troubled Lacy Westman (Odeya Rush) who has dysfunctional parents getting divorced but stubbornly still live together. The kids' french teacher Carine (Julie Delpy) try to heal their wounds.

The kids are great. This could be a great high school drama if the movie could skew more towards them. I don't have anything against Delpy and Simmons. On the contrary, they do great work with their roles. Nevertheless, it does pull focus away from the kids. It leaves the story telling scattered. I don't know much about filmmaker Kurt Voelker. He seems to get some good work from his actors.

Average......But Enjoyable......

[kashidomar · 6/10 · 26 October 2017]

A father who is also a husband looses his way of life as her beloved wife suddenly dies. He and his son tries to overcome the sorrow. So they decided to leave the place where their memory haunts them. The father took a teaching job in an institution and soon they recover the tragedy. Two young women become intimate with them and they help them in their rehabilitation process. In short this is the plot of this comedy drama.

The story is a common one . This is why i have told it an average movie. But when you will watch this you will find inspite of it's ordinary plot it is entertaining. The activities, dialogues,actions,and total combination is quite good. There is a lot of fun as it is a comedy movie also.

Small incidents that occur in the movie has been chained in one frame by the director. Acting is also not bad. Together with all these factors it is a pure comedy drama with full house fun.....

Heartfelt Triumph!

[horizonbts-206-628336 · 9/10 · 17 December 2017]

For me this movie hit close to home as my sister and I lost our mother suddenly, when we were young, and at a time we were expecting many more years of love! I am sure this is the case for many losing a parent can be a hard fact of life at any age. J.K. Simmons always seems to rise to the occasion of any role he plays. This one is no different as you feel like you experience the pain with him at moments in the movie. Great effects as just like in real life there are memories that trigger the hardship of losing a loved one, and it is sometimes hard to get your balance! I felt the story as a whole was very well done as it starts out with J.K. Simmons taking his son packing up, moving, and trying to start elsewhere by leaving the home that him and his wife spent over 30 years in. As we all know running away from something doesn't help until we face tragedy head on. Some great acting also by Josh Wiggins (who I recently saw in Walking Out) who plays the son. I though the cast was well thought out, and and the movie gets support from all of them with some great acting. I especially liked the part of Carine who is played by Julie Delpy, many of you might remember her playing Carine in the Before Sunrise, Sunset, and Midnight Trilogies. Also her being French and being cast as the French Teacher in this one was a brilliant move. All in all an experience well worth watching as I liked the way the movie developed and took us all on a memorable ride and experience. Like I said one that many of us have been taken on a similar ride in a part of life that can be tragic and one that we deal with in many different ways. This one exposes many of the other characters realizing we all are dealing and surrounded by other's who can be hurting from life in different ways. Again a great Heartfelt triumph, very well done!!

Do you like cheese?

[PacmanKO88 · 6/10 · 8 June 2021]

Ok there is some cheesiness here, and predictability, but it's all mozzarella, cheddar, American, cheese that I like! Cheese isn't my favorite food, maybe a 6/10 on the food scale, hence my rating. And hey, with JK Simmons you can never go totally wrong.

You may not love this, though maybe you will, but it's doubtful you'll hate it. This is a decent, very watchable movie that has its moments, no better and no worse.

This one had me at the mention of J.K. Simmons

[nowego · 8/10 · 3 June 2018]

So far I haven't seen every J.K. Simmons movie, but I am getting there and this is one of the good ones.

This is two love stories, a coming of age story and a story of grief all rolled into one. IMHO very well done, which makes this a really good movie to watch. It goes on the top of my re-watch list.

Julie Delpy is supurb as J.K. Simmons love interest, Odeya Rush is outstanding as Josh Wiggins love interest and I just loved the 1973 Ford Mustang used for transport with the backward facing seat.

I found this a very sad, but uplifting movie that really hooked me in. The characters felt very real. Anyone who has lost a partner or parent will know how the characters felt here.

If you don't shed I tear you were probably watching the wrong movie.

Worth watching and highly recommended.

8/10

Heartwarming

[cseabhi · 7/10 · 23 June 2022]

The story is about pain and grief, about a father and how he is dealing with the death of his wife. He along with his son is learning to adapt to the new life. The story is very simple and emotional and pretty straight forward.

Movie touches many subjects like depression, guilt and how to deal with loss. Some moments are really good and heart wrenching. J. K Simmons as the father was perfect and so was Julie Delpy as Carine. Both have given strong performances and their chemistry looks surprisingly good in the movie. Josh Wiggins as Wes was good but I have to say this movie belongs to JK Simmons and Julie Delpy as they were delight to watch.

The second half of the movie could have been better as first half was simply brilliant. Still overall this is a heartwarming movie and is certainly a good watch. Its enjoyable, relatable and will make you think.

NOT a rom-com

[willowparr-1 · 8/10 · 10 April 2018]

Not sure why this is listed as a romantic comedy. Truth be told, it is neither. But it is a study in the effects of grief. A gut-wrenching story of emotional survival; tentative and tenuous relationships; self truths; and the desperate need to come out on the other side as unscathed as one can, in the face of bitter loss.

An interesting, but not spectacular movie

[akcenat · 7/10 · 15 August 2020]

In a nutshell, the film tells the story about a teacher, after the death of his wife, and his son that move to a new city, where emotional connections with two women help them begin to heal. During 2020 pandemic and less than two years after I watched "The Bachelors" for the 1st time, I realized (after my wife commented it) that I (we) already watched it, but I completely forget it, meaning, it's not that memorable (at least for me) regardless it is a solid dramedy with maybe shallow attempt at exploring themes of depression and mental illness. To be honest, I almost wish the movie was a mini-series just so all the film characters and their backgrounds could have been developed more. Basically, a poor script did not allow story-line to develop enough or for anything else than mostly surface characters and a mediocre drama with some good moments in the relationship of father and son. Acting wise, despite the fact that J.K. Simmons is the biggest name among the cast, each of the four top-billed actors deserve credit for film deft emotional balance. To conclude, while film can feel slow at times, I can recommended it just, please, not watch it if you are feeling down.

Rating: 7+

An intimate look at grief and depression

[maccas-56367 · 5/10 · 25 January 2019]

(If you or someone you know needs help with depression, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact a crisis support professional in your area)

This wasn't exactly what I thought it would be.

What I thought this movie was going to be about: a 'dramedy' featuring a father and son moving to a new place for a fresh start following a death in the family; and the funny-awkward trials and tribulations of them stepping into the dating scene.

What this movie was really about: a graphic, raw exploration of depression, mental illness and grief, mostly lacking any laughs whatsoever, with a strange Chariots of Fire-like side story.

I found it a bit slow and hard to get into at first. Then once it sucked me in, it was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster and ordeal. I didn't really want my movie-watching experience tonight to have the word "ordeal" associated with it.

J.K Simmons and Julie Delpy put in strong performances and had surprisingly good chemistry together. Julie Delpy seems to have great chemistry with anyone though, as she has that dreamy, French-girl-in-love role down pat. On the contrary, I found both young leads (Josh Wiggins and Odeya Rush) to lack chemistry and acting chops altogether - they often came across as plain annoying. Josh Wiggins did turn it on for a particular dining table scene with Simmons though.

If you're going through grief, or perhaps enjoyed other coming-of-age films like 'The Perks of Being A Wallflower' then this might be for you. Otherwise, I'd probably pass it in favour of something more light-hearted - or a mental illness drama with a more upbeat feel such as 'Infinitely Polar Bear'.

Surprisingly engaging movie about overcoming obstacles in life.

[TxMike · 1 January 2021]

His wife, love of his life, died recently only 61 days after she was diagnosed. No longer able to stay in their home he and his high school son move to the L.A. area, dad will take a teaching job as a mathematics instructor, the private school is run by an old friend. The boy is required to participate in a sport so the lesser of the evils in cross country running.

The boy happens to be very good in French class and thus is assigned as a study partner of a pretty rich girl who has a secret, she cuts herself as a way to deal with the fights her parents get into, and heading for divorce.

These and other dramas play out in a way that seems pretty real, I was struck by how well the dialog is written, characters seldom say or do dumb things. My wife and I enjoyed this movie at home, we found it streaming on Amazon.

J.K Simmons is such a good actor, too bad, you cannot tell the same about the psychologist character

[groovyone-24316 · 6/10 · 22 February 2018]

With that now settled, I think the movie would be better if someone troubled actually to talk to a real psychologist about making this movie. I could not buy a single advise from this guy and the actor could not sell it either, what I am saying is the movie could have been potentially way better. I also liked the young male actor's play, he will be good, I suppose. He reminded me of Dylan O'Brien (The First Time)

Don't avoid your emotions

[ritz-36184 · 7/10 · 6 May 2020]

This movie is a perfect example of how it's important to talk it out with your closed ones to let them know your feelings before it gets too late. While Bill gets professional help to cope with his wife's death, Wes keeps avoiding his emotions. Their encounter brings both of them to a place where they are hit with realization of their current positions. It's a wonderful movie that shows the relationship of a father and son who make attempts to help each other by giving guidance to each other in their desired field.

Heart warming story

[tavasiloff · 10/10 · 2 April 2021]

This is a film that excels in telling the story of a father and son who suffered the loss of their wife/mother. J. K. Simmons is understated in his performance and his audience feels a true sense of his loss. His son complements his father's emotional state with a genuine sense of loss that is not overplayed. The supporting cast does an outstanding job as well. This is time well spent.

Heartfelt, Sad, Hopeful

[jasonmilesinc · 9/10 · 13 December 2020]

This is a gem of a little movie. Solid performances all around and beautifully shot with deeply sad but relatable subjects. It's not a sad movie though; it's hopeful and necessary. Dealing with adult and teen issues will make this movie appealing to a wide audience. Great seeing Julie Delpy play someone strong and kind. JK Simmons is phenomenal as always. Odeya Rush continues her great work and really the star of this is Josh Wiggins. He carries the whole film and the acting chemistry among the four leads is outstanding. This is a film that when it ends, you'll want some silence to think about it. You'll actually care about every character. You'll want them all to be happy. And even though it's shot in LA, it has no LA vibes whatsoever. This story could take place anywhere.

Wow! A Must See Movie But Have the Kleenex Ready at the Wonderful Ending!

[robert23-1 · 10/10 · 23 January 2018]

Although the movie portrays the pain, anxiety & frustration when dealing with depression, there are many scenes of caring, empathy & domestic love, especially between the dad(so superbly played by J.K. Simmons, an Oscar and Golden Globe winner best known as the character Vern in the HBO prison drama OZ, the psychiatrist in Law & Order & of course as the spokesman for Farmers Insurance TV ads) and one of the best young actors today in Hollywood, Josh Wiggins in the role of Wes. Not only are the performances of these two leads absolutely outstanding but the on screen chemistry made this movie a delight to watch. I will always watch any movie that Simmons is in as well as Josh Wiggins whom I've had the pleasure to watch previously. J.K. Simmons makes other actors with whom he performs that much better. Casting, directing & writing kudos especially with two of the main supporting cast, Jean Kelly(French teacher) & Kevin Dunn, a Hollywood character actor mainstay, as the Headmaster. I'm sure, as with others watching this movie, I can personally relate to those close to me suffering from depression. Sadly, my "partner" of 11 years, Kris, eventually lost his battle and passed away on October 13, 2017, age 43. He, like many others left behind, as depicted in this movie, would want us all to be strong, cherish happy memories & carry on with life. Yes, it's tragic when we lose the one(s) we love, such as the mother in this movie, but what's important is to "Celebrate their Life", no matter what form it takes and not dwell on their passing. Congratulations on a heartfelt movie and outstanding performances.

Robert C. Thompson, Victoria, B.C. Canada([e-mail])

J. K. Simmons is fabulous, but the view of mental health is poorly shown

[rsg-25524 · 4/10 · 10 January 2018]

When you look at the summary for this film it barely mentions that it is dominated by depression. J. K. Simmons does a wonderful job of portraying someone who is grieving and has fallen into depression after the loss of his wife. My problem with the film is the therapist and patient relationship. The therapist immediately puts Simmons on drugs and then we see him go through varies other drugs and then finally electro shock therapy. The whole time Simmons allows the therapist to just lead him down this path of destruction. He finally decides to not give into his depression any longer when he and his son have a huge fight. This is so Hollywood, taking a serious subject like depression and making light of it. They could have illustrated what is so clearly wrong with our mental health system, but instead they make it seem like all the drugs and shock therapy helped, when clearly it was all up to him. This film makes me mad.

Fantastic movie about grief

[wrxsti54 · 9/10 · 20 April 2021]

Wow what a great sleeper! Having seen some Josh Wiggins movies I thought I'd give this one a look and it's first rate. Bill Palet (JK Simmons) is a middle aged school teacher who, soon after the death of his vivacious artist wife Jeanie (Kimberley Crandall), suddenly moves from San Francisco to LA with his high school junior aged son Wes (Josh Wiggins) and enrolls him in an exclusive private school where he gets a job run by one of his closest college buddies Paul (Kevin Dunn). At first the movie plays out in a more regular fashion, Wes is forced to play sport (cross country) and befriends a couple of social misfits until his French teacher (Julie Delpy) realizes Wes is very good at French and assigns him to be the homework partner to an aloof pretty girl Lacy (Odeya Rush) who attends from a neighboring private girls school and who is the subject of much jock attention.

As the movie progresses, it dives much deeper into a series of profound emotional crises arising from the delayed and suppressed grief at the loss of a wife and mother so loved. Wes dances around a crush on Lacy who herself is embroiled in her parents toxic marriage break up and she copes by cutting herself. Corine the French teacher takes a fancy to Bill and they have a mild fling but that triggers Bill's suppressed grief and he has a nervous breakdown. Wes and Lacy are too damaged to make any kind of even teenage relationship work.

The movie wonderfully explores Bill as he tries to treat his grief with a rather wooden and intense psychiatrist and after the breakdown, the movie poignantly portrays Wes' visceral fear that his depressed father will take his own life and it all culminates in rather powerful, dramatic and eventually beautiful moments where father and son are reconciled to the loss and grief and are able to succeed in sport, relationships and work.

JK Simmons is simply superb and knocks it out of the park. 17 year old Josh Wiggins is a fabulous teen actor and puts in a fantastic and at times intense performance (complete with doing his own scenes as a leading cross country runner), informed undoubtedly by his own recent loss of his mother to cancer. The movie has a cool twist where Bill gives his 1971 Mustang Mach 1 convertible to Wes minus the front passenger seat and Lacy manages to find a secondhand one as a thank you for the tutoring but they can only fit it in facing backwards!

Josh Wiggins should have been nominated for an award!

[TJHinsvark · 10/10 · 15 August 2021]

Great movie! I'm usually into action movies but the chemistry between JK Simmons and Josh Wiggins in this movie is incredible. Their scenes together at the dinner table and after the race are both so good I had to go back and watch them again more than once and cried every time. I lost my wife to cancer with two teenagers at home so I'm probably more easily affected than most by this storyline. The scenes with Josh Wiggins and Odeya Rush were excellent too, especially the two scenes they kissed in. I enjoyed Josh Wiggins acting so much I searched him and then watched his performances in Mean Dreams with Bill Paxton which was excellent. Then I watched Wiggins in Giant Little Ones and he gives an award winning performance in that movie too which had a very interesting and unique storyline. I hope Josh Wiggins is cast in many more movies to come because I'll definitely see anything he is in.

Excellent film capturing grief

[scherfcom · 10/10 · 23 February 2018]

This is a very good film, one of the best I've seen in years. It really captured grief about losing a dear loved one. Not only is the husband grieving after losing his wife of 33 years, and it's very hard to let go of the memories, but also the son is grieving missing his mom a lot. Well written script and superb acting. In our home no eye stayed dry. We truly enjoyed this movie as it captured the emotion of the loss of a loved one so vividly. Great California Hwy 1 scenery and an early 70's Mustang convertible were a nice touch too.

I love it !

[Kirpianuscus · 12 February 2019]

...for many, different reasons. From the nice surprise of meet betweenJ.K.Simmons and Harold Perrinneau , remembering "OZ", to the inspired portrait of profound grief , understable when you know. From the nice job of Julie Delpy to the young Josh Wiggins remembering Nicholas Hoult. From the teenager univers to the romance. Sure, it has a lot of holes. Sure, for many viewers it is too bitter. But it is a correct portrait of a fight against yourself. Many too didacticist. But well working. And that is the most significant aspect.