In a cinematic landscape often dominated by superhero blockbusters and dystopian thrillers, Aziz Ansari’s directorial debut, Good Fortune, offers a refreshing twist on the age-old question: can money truly buy happiness? Set against the sprawling, sun-drenched backdrop of 2025 Los Angeles, the film dives headfirst into the chaos and charm of the modern gig economy, weaving a supernatural comedy that’s as much about second chances as it is about social class and self-worth.
At the heart of Good Fortune is Arj, played by Ansari himself—a freelance documentary editor whose life is a patchwork of part-time jobs, app-based hustles, and the constant anxiety of living off tips and five-star ratings. According to Fox News, Arj’s struggle is all too familiar: he’s sleeping in his car, juggling gigs at Hardware Heaven, and doing whatever it takes to scrape by in a city where fortunes can change as quickly as the traffic lights. His luck seems to turn when he lands a gig organizing the garage of Jeff (Seth Rogen), a venture capitalist whose hillside mansion represents everything Arj doesn’t have. After convincing Jeff to hire him as an assistant, Arj’s hopes are dashed when a simple mistake costs him the job.
But this isn’t just a story about the haves and have-nots. Enter Gabriel, played by Keanu Reeves in a rare comedic role that critics say steals the show. As News24 notes, Reeves’ portrayal of Gabriel—a guardian angel with small, unimpressive wings and a penchant for bungling his assignments—brings a fresh, deadpan energy to the film. Gabriel’s celestial job? Saving mortals who text while driving. Yet, despite his best efforts, he can’t shake the feeling that his work is meaningless compared to the grander missions of angels like Azrael (Stephen McKinley Henderson), who boasts larger wings and a loftier status.
Gabriel’s path crosses with Arj’s in a moment of crisis. Noticing that Arj is about to send a text suggesting he’s given up on life, Gabriel intervenes, saving him from disaster. But the rescue is only the beginning. As Hollywood Outbreak reports, Gabriel pleads with his boss, Martha (Sandra Oh), for permission to save Arj’s soul. Martha, ever the bureaucrat, tells him to stay in his lane—but Gabriel can’t resist meddling. He offers Arj a glimpse into his own future, a bleak montage involving delivery jobs, crowded living conditions, and even the heartbreak of being unable to afford treatment for a sick dog. Unsurprisingly, Arj isn’t impressed.
In a twist worthy of classic body-swap comedies, Gabriel proposes a deal: Arj can switch lives with Jeff for a week. The catch? Gabriel warns that Jeff’s life may not be as glamorous as it appears. But, as it turns out, the pool parties, fancy dinners, and effortless luxury are everything Arj ever dreamed of. For a moment, it seems like all his problems have evaporated. Reeves’ Gabriel, meanwhile, faces the wrath of Martha, who strips him of his wings as punishment for breaking angelic protocol. The only way to earn them back? Arj must willingly return to his old life.
Of course, things spiral quickly. Jeff, once he regains his memory, is furious at Arj for stealing his life. The two strike a deal: Arj can enjoy Jeff’s lifestyle for a few more days before they switch back. But the longer Arj basks in wealth, the more disconnected he becomes from his former struggles—and from Elena (Keke Palmer), his Hardware Heaven co-worker and love interest. Elena, unlike Arj, channels her frustrations with the gig economy into activism, urging her colleagues to unionize in pursuit of better working conditions. As Fox News points out, Palmer brings warmth and groundedness to Elena, keeping the character from veering into preachiness even as she fights for change.
Meanwhile, Gabriel is forced to adapt to human life on Earth, muddling through the ups and downs of mortality as he tries to set things right. The film’s supernatural elements—angels, life swaps, and celestial bureaucracy—are played for laughs, but they also serve as a clever metaphor for the unpredictable twists of fate that shape our lives. As The Snapshot observes, the film “answers the timeless question of ‘What would It’s a Wonderful Life be like if it were set in 2025’s Los Angeles gig economy?’” The comparison is apt: Good Fortune wears its influences on its sleeve, blending the heart of Frank Capra with the irreverent humor of modern comedies like Trading Places.
Yet, for all its laughs, Good Fortune doesn’t shy away from the realities of economic disparity. The film acknowledges that not everyone is as lucky as Jeff, who comes from privilege, but it resists the urge to demonize the wealthy. Jeff is pampered and out of touch, sure, but he’s no villain. The story’s real antagonists are the systems and circumstances that keep people like Arj and Elena struggling on the margins.
Behind the scenes, Ansari’s triple role as writer, director, and star is a testament to his creative vision. As Hollywood Outbreak notes, Ansari is known for blending sharp humor with relatable, human stories—a quality that shines through in Good Fortune. The ensemble cast, which also includes Sandra Oh as the exasperated Martha, commits fully to the premise, delivering performances that are both funny and heartfelt.
Critical reactions to the film have been mixed, with some reviewers noting that the laughs are inconsistent but praising the film’s sincerity and charm. According to News24, Reeves “steals the show,” while The Snapshot calls the movie “modest, insightful, charming, and funny in all the ways classic comedy should be.” The film’s best moments, critics agree, come when it leans into its sweet side, offering a hopeful message about community and self-worth.
For Ansari, Good Fortune marks a significant step in his post-Master of None career. After facing controversy during the #MeToo movement, Ansari has slowly rebuilt his reputation through stand-up and now, with this film, reclaims his place as a thoughtful and talented comedic voice. As Fox News puts it, “His talent is really on full display.”
Good Fortune is currently playing in theaters nationwide, with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It’s rated R for language and some drug use, and while it may not reinvent the wheel, it offers a heartfelt, funny, and timely look at what it means to chase happiness in a world where luck—and fortune—can change in an instant.
Sometimes, the best comedies are the ones that leave you thinking, and Good Fortune does just that—reminding us that while money might solve a lot, it’s the connections we forge and the risks we take that truly shape our destiny.
