Good Fortune Trailer, Fun Facts & Review
Good Fortune Synopsis:
A clumsy angel named Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) is sent to Earth to help a down-on-his-luck man named Arj (Aziz Ansari). Convinced that money isn't the answer to Arj's problems, Gabriel swaps Arj's life with his wealthy boss, Jeff (Seth Rogen). The plan backfires when Arj's life actually improves with the newfound wealth, causing Gabriel to lose his angelic powers and become human. Now stuck on Earth with Jeff as his new roommate, Gabriel must navigate his new mortal existence as the consequences of his divine mistake begin to unfold.
Genre: Comedy
Release Date: In theaters October 17th, 2025
Good Fortune Fun Facts:
Aziz Ansari's Directorial Debut:
Good Fortune is the first movie directed by comedian and actor Aziz Ansari, who not only wrote the screenplay but also stars in the movie.
Classic Comedies with Similar Themes:
Though the storyline is different, the theme of Good Fortune is very similar to classic comedies such as Trading Places (1983) and Heaven Can Wait (1978).
A "Heavenly" Cast:
The movie features a well-rounded comedic cast, including Keanu Reeves, Aziz Ansari, Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, and Sandra Oh.
Keanu Reeves as a Guardian Angel:
Keanu Reeves plays a clumsy angel named Gabriel, whose good-hearted interference with a down-on-his-luck man (Aziz Ansari) leads to seriously funny chaos.
Injury on Set:
Reeves explained later during a segment on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert that he slipped while hurrying out of a cold plunge and that he hit his knee hard on the ground after tripping, breaking his kneecap.
Festival Premiere:
Good Fortune is set to have its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September, before its wide theatrical release.
Good Fortune Review:
Aziz Ansari's first movie as a director, Good Fortune, is a heavenly comedy that blends playful elements with sharp criticism. The story uses the body-switch idea to highlight important issues within today's gig economy. Even though the film sometimes struggles to balance its lighthearted humor with serious social truths, it is uplifted by an amazing group of talented cast.
The story focuses on Arj (Ansari), a college graduate who dreams of being an editor but has ended up homeless, making ends meet with exhausting, low-paying freelance jobs in Los Angeles. Gabriel (Keanu Reeves), a low-ranking angel tasked with preventing car accidents, observes Arj and determines that he is a "lost soul" who needs help. Gabriel's idea to teach Arj that "money can't buy happiness" involves switching Arj's life with Jeff (Seth Rogen), an incredibly rich, happy, and clueless tech entrepreneur.
Expectedly, the angel's plan ends in disaster: massive riches fix many of Arj's pressing issues, and he finds no motivation to return. As a consequence, his frustrated boss, Martha (Sandra Oh), takes away Gabriel's wings, and he must experience human suffering in person, washing dishes and struggling with the cost of living in L.A. alongside a suddenly broke Jeff.
The cast is truly amazing. While Ansari and Rogen perform their roles with the usual charm, the real star of the movie is definitely Keanu Reeves. He plays Gabriel, a sweet, naive angel, perfectly mixing his signature kindness with a new, hilarious clumsiness. Watching the angel discover simple human pleasures for the first time—like smoking a cigarette or eating a "chicken nuggie"—provides some of the movie’s biggest and most heartfelt laughs. The chemistry between this unlikely trio—the frustrated former angel, the former rich guy with self-pity, and the new rich guy who loves being rich—drives the story forward. Keke Palmer grounds the film as Elena, who works with Arj and serves as their moral guide, who is passionately trying to unionize their workplace.
Ansari’s direction is smooth and effective. He takes his serious ideas about society and wraps them up in comedy that's warm and easy to watch. The story gets a little messy near the end as the characters hurry toward an ending. Good Fortune might not hit all its comedic marks with the precision of Ansari's top performances, but it effectively presents a charming, clever, and relevant story for a time of significant financial inequality.