Like Father

Rachel, portrayed by Kristen Bell, is a dedicated young executive in New York City who lets work take precedence, even on her wedding day. Just as the processional music plays, she receives a crucial work call. After hastily concluding the conversation, she tucks her phone into her bouquet and proceeds down the aisle. To her dismay, the officiant, her boss, reveals personal anecdotes about the groom before turning to Rachel. In a moment of chaos, her phone tumbles out of the bouquet, prompting her groom to realize that she is tethered to her job more than to him, resulting in him calling off the wedding.

Enter Harry, her estranged father, played by Kelsey Grammer, who has not seen Rachel since she was just five years old. After witnessing the wedding debacle, he rushes out of the venue, with Rachel quickly following him. The following day, she struggles to regain her professional footing in the office, ultimately being sent home. Alone and feeling lost, she turns to binge drinking until Harry finds her, and they decide to continue their evening at a bar. Fueled by liquor, they impulsively agree to embark on a pre-booked honeymoon cruise to the Caribbean together.

As they set sail, their initial excitement transforms into something more complex. They may be strangers at the start, but through a series of quirky adventures, umbrella-laden cocktails, and introspection, Rachel and Harry discover a renewed sense of connection to family and a deeper appreciation for life itself. The trip serves as Harry’s path to redemption; he has also battled workaholism, sacrificing his business to support his ailing partner.

Onboard the cruise, they encounter a trio of unique couples at their dinner table: a youthful pair, a couple celebrating their 50th anniversary, and newlyweds navigating mid-life. Through these interactions, Rachel begins to see alternative lifestyles that prize fulfillment over the relentless pursuit of success. However, a pivotal moment arises when Rachel insists on using her phone at a breathtaking waterfall, leading to a confrontation with Harry, who urges her to be present and not miss out on the world around her.

When Rachel’s work calls her regarding a collection service, she learns of Harry’s bankruptcy, mistakenly believing he is seeking her financial help. In an emotional outburst, she lashes out, only to uncover the truth about Harry’s recent struggles following the death of his business partner, Gabe. This revelation allows Harry to express his desire to mend their relationship and his plans to relocate to Los Angeles after settling his debts. By the end of the cruise, their connection is richer and more profound, and Rachel commits to aiding him with the move.

Initially, Rachel returns to her high-powered advertising role, seemingly forgetting the lessons learned from her father. However, her breakthrough comes when she decides to reroute a planned trip to meet a significant client in upstate New York, opting instead to help her dad move to Los Angeles as promised. This decision signifies her transformation and a newfound balance between her personal and professional life.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 12:02