Imagine waking up in someone else's life, with all the perks and problems that come with it. Sounds like a movie, right? Well, it's the premise of Aziz Ansari's new dramedy, "Good Fortune," and whether it's worth your time and money to watch at home is what we're diving into today. Ansari, known for his roles in "Parks and Recreation" and the critically acclaimed "Master of None," has taken the director's chair for this feature film, and it’s a significant step in his already impressive career.
"Good Fortune" draws parallels to the classic holiday film "It's a Wonderful Life," but with a decidedly darker, more modern twist. Ansari not only directs but also stars as Arj, a struggling Los Angeles resident barely making ends meet. His life takes an unexpected turn when he connects with Jeff (Seth Rogen), his wealthy tech investor boss. Enter Keanu Reeves as Gabriel, a charmingly naive angel who attempts to show Arj that wealth isn't everything it's cracked up to be. Gabriel allows Arj and Jeff to experience life in each other's shoes, leading to a divine switcheroo. But here's where it gets controversial... the switch seemingly solves all of Arj's problems. Is it really that simple? Does money actually solve everything, or does it just create a new set of problems?
The film's plot centers around this intriguing premise: What happens when someone struggling financially suddenly finds themselves in a position of immense wealth and power, and vice versa? How does it change their perspective, their relationships, and their understanding of the world?
Now, let's talk about the film's performance. "Good Fortune" has had a mixed reception at the box office, grossing $15.8 million worldwide against a $30 million budget (at the time of this writing). And this is the part most people miss... Box office numbers don't always reflect the quality of a film. Critically, the movie has received largely positive reviews, with many praising Keanu Reeves' performance as Gabriel. /Film's Michael Boyle even called Reeves the movie's clear standout. But does a standout performance justify the price of admission, or in this case, the price of renting or buying the film at home?
Luckily, if you missed "Good Fortune" in theaters, you won't have to wait long to watch it from the comfort of your couch. "Good Fortune" is scheduled to be available on most PVOD (Premium Video on Demand) platforms starting November 7, 2025. This gives you the option to rent or purchase the film digitally. For those who prefer physical media, the wait is a bit longer, with the film hitting shelves on December 9, 2025.
So, how much will it cost you to watch "Good Fortune" at home? As usual, renting the film on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, or Fandango at Home will set you back $19.99, while purchasing it will cost $24.99 (at least initially). But prepare yourself for a literal good fortune if you're aiming to own the movie on physical media. Lionsgate has announced some hefty price tags for the 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD versions. The traditional Blu-ray is priced at $39.99, the DVD at $29.99, and the 4K exclusive combo pack from Amazon comes in at $34.99.
Just to add another layer of complexity, the special features are exclusive across different platforms. It is expected that most will be on the various physical media formats. Here's a breakdown:
- Audio Commentary with Writer-Producer-Director Aziz Ansari and Producer Alan Yang
- Featurette – Task Sergeant Ride-Along (Fandango at Home Exclusive)
- Featurette – Do You Want to Dance? (Apple Exclusive)
- Featurette – Life Swap: Making Good Fortune
- Featurette – The Los Angeles of Good Fortune
- Featurette – The Clothes Make the Man...And the Angel
- Theatrical Trailer
Ultimately, deciding whether to watch "Good Fortune" at home depends on your interest in Aziz Ansari's directorial debut, your appreciation for dramedies with a touch of the surreal, and of course, your budget. Is the premise of a life-swap intriguing enough to justify the cost? Is Keanu Reeves' performance worth the rental or purchase price? Do the special features entice you enough to buy a physical copy? And perhaps most importantly, does the film actually offer a meaningful exploration of wealth, happiness, and the human condition, or is it just a lighthearted, feel-good movie? This is a matter of opinion, but it's important to consider before making a purchase.
What are your thoughts? Will you be watching "Good Fortune" at home, and if so, which format will you choose? Do you think the price is justified, or are you waiting for a price drop?
