Over the past few years, the specter of Fred Rogers of the beloved long-running children’s television show Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood has been looming ever larger over the American cultural landscape and perhaps for good reason. As the world around us continues to crumble, more people simply want to retreat to their childhoods, back when a trusted adult could convince you everything would be ok and you would believe them. Mr. Rogers had the reputation of being a kind, soothing man who could comfort children of any background or from any circumstance and make them feel special and valued. While his methods were more thought of as being geared for children, such behavior can appeal to any hurt and troubled person as we see in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. The film is based on the true story of journalist Tom Junod (renamed Lloyd Vogel in the film and portrayed by Matthew Rhys) who is assigned to write a story on Mr. Rogers (Tom Hanks) for Esquire magazine. In the process of interviewing the legendary TV host, the cynical and dour Lloyd becomes intrigued by the genuineness displayed by Mr. Rogers and the two developed a friendship while Lloyd tries to work through his broken relationship with his father Jerry (Chris Cooper).
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood has been marketed as a film vehicle for Mr. Rogers, but Lloyd and the lasting effects of his relationship with his parents are truly at the center of the film with Mr. Rogers’ philosophies serving as the impetus for Lloyd’s healing. The famed kids show host’s states in the film that the goal of his program is to assist children in ways to work through their feelings, but as A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood shows us, these strategies are effective no matter a person’s age. When we first meet Lloyd, his bitterness toward his father for his treatment of his mother has seeped into his everyday demeanor, creating a sour, cynical man who can barely interact with others. It is not until he meets Mr. Rogers and gets an up close and personal glimpse into a person whose demeanor never dives south no matter who or what is around him that Lloyd begins to turn and reflect on his own life. When he first meets the famous host, Lloyd believes him to be portraying a character and this is largely because Lloyd himself is. Lloyd’s gruff exterior betrays a man in pain and who needs healing but is too prideful to seek it. But Mr. Rogers’ kindness and willingness to listen and consider Lloyd’s full personhood and experiences provide the journalist with the space he needs to heal himself and his old wounds regarding his family. While Mr. Rogers’ methods are generally considered to be exclusively for children, broken adults usually get that way from experiences that can be traced back to childhood; it only makes sense that methods meant for kids fix what ails the child within.
The talk coming into A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood was Tom Hanks’ turn as the beloved Mr. Rogers, but Matthew Rhys makes quite the impression as the film’s lead. His portrayal of an adult still struggling with the demons of his childhood is impeccably portrayed and imparts a genuineness to the audience that allows his performance to resonate emotionally. Being asked to lead a film with an actor the caliber of Hanks working alongside you in a supporting role can be a daunting task but Rhys performs with aplomb. Tom Hanks performs more than capably however, turning in a performance that adds to his long list of great appearances. He does a fantastic job as a famous actor transforming into an equally famous and iconic figure, nailing Mr. Rogers’ demeanor and even his soft, measured vocal tone and speaking style. Look for him to join an already crowded Best Supporting Actor field.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is a heartfelt story that also explores the serious issue of unresolved childhood trauma in a way that is both substantive and sweet, fitting for a film that resides in Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. Matthew Rhys and Tom Hanks both turn in high quality performances that are sure to tug at the heart strings. Marielle Heller’s direction throughout the film is lovely, building on her breakout 2018 film Can You Ever Forgive Me. Her decision to use Mr. Rogers style toy model sets for the film’s establishing shots is a nice touch that adds to its charm. The film also seamlessly integrates Tom Hanks into archival footage without it looking too obviously doctored. In a time marked by struggle and worry, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood will be a breath of fresh air for many.
Image: Sony Pictures Releasing
