Harvest Moon

Right now you can watch Harvest Moon on streaming — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. The reception has been consistently positive. Watch it for Paul Bettany — stay for everyone else around them. There is no real reason to keep putting it off.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Harvest Moon is worth clearing space for. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Harvest Moon from the crowd. Story about the early months of the pandemic, where a young boy named Charlie tries to get his estranged parents together again. Paul Bettany and Bethany Joy Lenz lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. What keeps Harvest Moon from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, Harvest Moon respects your intelligence. It has built its own audience without needing a direct comparison. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Paul Bettany is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.