A Recap of the Movie ‘Everything’s Going to Be Great’

Movies

Jun 13

Written By VS BRANDS

Plot Synopsis written by Michael Lee

*All Media used in this article is courtesy of Lionsgate

Official Trailer: ‘Everything’s Going to Be Great’ (2025)

Video Credit: Lionsgate

Plot Synopsis

‘Everything’s Going to Be Great’ Film Clip - “Weirdos” | Video Courtesy of Lionsgate

In Akron, Ohio, in the year 1989, wannabe Broadway producer Buddy Smart attends a meeting in the principal's office regarding his son’s odd behavior. His son, Les, fourteen, adorned in a darling ascot and crushed velvet blazer, has come under public scrutiny concerning his ‘views’ on anatomy and his blaise attitude about a conservative Christian teacher’s assigned essay. Buddy argues with the principal, feigning Les’s right to have an independent opinion and his right to be a unique individual.

‘Everything’s Going to Be Great’ Film Clip - “Weirdos” | Video Courtesy of Lionsgate

Buddy and Macy together run a modest regional theater company, chasing ever‑bigger dreams despite constant financial instability. Les, a theatre mogul like his father, fantasizes about pep talks from ghosts of Ruth Gordon, Noël Coward and Tallulah Bankhead, struggling with his outsider status at school. Derrick is your typical girl-crazy jock while Macy, Buddy’s wife, theater bookkeeper and a Kansas native, is the backbone of the family, religious and responsible despite her husband's loftier (and atheistic) ambitions.

Allison Janney as Macy in ‘Everything’s Going to Be Great’ • Photo Credit: Peter H. Stranks/Lionsgate

Later that night, at dinner, Derrick, Les’s sixteen year old brother confesses his hatred for the theater and wishes to play sports, mainly football, instead. Buddy calls Derrick's particular interest in sports quite boring but, Macy, argues to let Derrick have his ‘thing’. She warns Buddy that she's concerned that not too soon before long the family will be poor and shackled up in the family station wagon. Buddy attempts to calm Macy down, telling her not to worry and that soon their money problems will be solved.

The following day, Buddy’s theater hosts a performance of Fiddler on the Roof. The production gets off to a bumpy start, and Les, desperate for the spotlight, crashes another scene despite his parents' warnings. The family begins to bicker within, but Buddy interrupts the familial drama with a big update: Buddy lands a five‑year regional theater contract: manage the Barn Theater in New Jersey. Derrick is annoyed and Macy is concerned this bigger theater will never sell out. Buddy and Les, however, are thrilled at the new opportunity.

Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Les in ‘Everything’s Going to Be Great’ • Photo Credit: Peter H. Stranks/Lionsgate

Buddy hopes that taking on this theater in New Jersey will lead to a better opportunity in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Barn Theater suffers a disastrous opening night—a near-empty house, critical staging flubs; an all-around disaster. Later, Macy meets actor Kyle while the family is in New Jersey and the two begin having an illicit affair. Because of the financial strain of opening night at the Barn Theater, the family is forced to move in with Macy’s estranged brother, Chris. The merging of the family is awkward and Chris is a certified curmudgeon. Later, Les has a run-in with a dangerous pack of straight frat boys who confront his weirdness head on.

Bryan Cranston as Buddy and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Les in ‘Everything’s Going to Be Great’ • Photo Credit: Peter H. Stranks/Lionsgate

Macy revisits childhood trauma with her brother and asks Buddy if their future includes her wants and desires. She is exhausted and left to the wayside by Buddy’s oddball and lofty dream. But eventually, the family comes together, embracing their differences and celebrating each and every individual for who they are and what they are not. Each member of the family makes their case for their frustrations and becomes honest with themselves and their family about what they want and what they need.

Bryan Cranston as Buddy in ‘Everything’s Going to Be Great’ • Photo Credit: Peter H. Stranks/Lionsgate

Jack Champion as Derrick in ‘Everything’s Going to Be Great’ • Photo Credit: Peter H. Stranks/Lionsgate

Finally aligned and reinvigorated, the Smarts make their return to Akron, back to their small-town strripped back theater. Buddy focuses on small, intimate and meaningful production with Les at center stage. Derrick supports his brother in all of his theatrical endeavors while finding a life for himself outside of the theater. Walter visits mid-show in an effort to further rencoile with his sister. Buddy and Macy share in a tender song, now focused on their newfound love and respect for one another. As the film ends, we are reminded that maybe everything is going to be great after all.