Aziz Ansari’s Good Fortune unfolds as a truly divine comedy, whisking us away to the glittering sprawl of Los Angeles. Here, we meet Gabriel (Keanu Reeves), an angel who, despite his celestial duties guarding texting drivers, feels a deep yearning for more impactful work. His desire intensifies upon hearing tales of fellow angel Azrael (Stephen McKinley Henderson) successfully guiding souls, leaving Gabriel convinced his current role is simply not enough.
Despite his pleas for greater responsibility, his supervisor, Martha (Sandra Oh), firmly directs him to focus on his assigned tasks. Meanwhile, on Earth, Arj (Aziz Ansari), a documentary editor, faces a starkly different reality. He’s barely scraping by, juggling multiple jobs and sleeping in his car, all while meticulously concealing his dire circumstances from his father. It’s at a hardware store job that he encounters Elena (Keke Palmer), a spirited individual advocating for improved labor conditions.
Film Details: Good Fortune (English)
In his various gig roles, Arj crosses paths with Jeff (Seth Rogen), a wealthy ‘tech bro’ who hires him for a trial week after Arj impressively organizes his garage. Arj’s new responsibilities include tracking down a shaman and arranging a disco floor for Jeff’s lavish 40th birthday celebration. However, a string of mishaps soon leads to Arj losing this temporary position. When his car is unceremoniously towed while he naps at a diner, it becomes clear that Arj has truly reached his lowest point.
Seeing Arj’s plight, Gabriel intervenes with noble, albeit misguided, intentions. He believes he can demonstrate that wealth doesn’t inherently improve life, so he orchestrates a body swap between Arj and Jeff. This plan backfires spectacularly: Arj quickly discovers that many of his struggles are effortlessly resolved by Jeff’s considerable fortune. As a consequence of his interference, Martha strips Gabriel of his wings, banishing him to Earth as a human. Jeff is thrust into the harsh realities of everyday life, while Gabriel, surprisingly, finds joy in his new human experience, embracing dancing, savoring tacos and milkshakes, and even delighting in washing dishes and watching online videos of baby elephants.
The path to Gabriel regaining his angelic status depends entirely on Arj willingly returning to his original life. Through their intertwined fates, all three characters embark on profound journeys of self-discovery. They learn that while money may not solve all problems, it certainly eases many burdens. The film also sharply critiques the struggles inherent in the gig economy, drawing poignant parallels to our modern, app-driven lives that often rely on overworked delivery personnel.
The ensemble cast delivers a vibrant and energetic performance, creating a delightful dynamic. Reeves shines as Gabriel, often seen swaying to an internal celestial rhythm, while Oh imparts wisdom with a refined grace. Rogen, as Jeff, brings a comedic edge to his character’s horrified realization of life outside his privileged bubble. Ansari, who not only stars but also wrote and directed Good Fortune, successfully achieves his stated goal of addressing unspoken societal issues with both wit and heart. The film is a charming blend of humor and genuine emotion, with its jokes and insightful observations consistently hitting the mark. A lingering question: Is ‘Arj’ a subtle nod to ‘Raj’?
Good Fortune is currently playing in theaters.