The Bachelors

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The Bachelors

Released Oct 20, 2017

1h 39m

Comedy

Drama

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Popcornmeter

84%

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19 Reviews

75%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

After the death of his wife, Bill and his 17-year-old son, Wes, move from a small town to a big city for a fresh start. As they begin to adjust to life in the city and seek ways to heal their wounds, they both find comfort in newfound romances. Although circumstances contribute to Bill and Wes growing apart, they come back together and rediscover their true selves in the process.

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Simran Hans

Observer (UK)

There's a corny metaphor about cross-country running and the catharsis that comes from pushing through the pain of loss, but strong central performances mean that this is still moving stuff.

Rated: 4/5

Apr 1, 2018

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

Desperately struggling to shake off the coming-of-age genre straitjacket, The Bachelors promises early on to be something different.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 29, 2018

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Geoffrey Macnab

Independent (UK)

The main recommendation here is another nuanced and affecting performance from JK Simmons, one of the best character actors in contemporary American cinema.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 29, 2018

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

Voelker’s story consistently surprised me especially in how deep it was willing to dive into the area of depression. I wasn’t expecting it. There are no soft perspectives or dulled edges.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 19, 2022

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Andrew Murray

The Upcoming

The Bachelors appears to be like any other quirky coming-of-age tale, but after closer inspection its charms deteriorate to reveal a shallow attempt at an emotional journey.

Rated: 2/5

Feb 2, 2021

Full Review

Edward Porter

Sunday Times (UK)

A perfect example of those light American indie dramas that fancy themselves as sophisticated, but in fact have far less value than a good blockbuster.

Rated: 1/5

Apr 2, 2018

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Martin B

JK Simmons has one basic character he can play with variation off the basic roll they hired him for. This another in the assembling line. The movie trite, formulaic. But even with a formula movie it takes a good script, great sets, backdrops and good acting to deliver the tear jerking scene that puts it over the top. The Bachelors nailed it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/23/25

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Les M

J.K. Simmons gets meds and shock treatment because he's depressed after his wife of 33 years dies of cancer. Resorting to extreme measures like shock treatment for chronic mental illness is one thing, but this man had acute depression from a major life trauma. It's normal to take a very long time to recover from the loss of a long-term spouse or very close friend/relative. Some people never recover from it. This wasn't a great film even before the psychiatrist treated him in this quack fashion. It was a waste of Julie Delpy's talent. Not that it matters, but the film's title is just stupid. The naming of the film shows the same lack of effort that the script often shows.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

05/20/24

Full Review

JD M

A tremendous story about a father and son who are left picking up the pieces of their family after the death of the mother/wife. Gripping in all the right parts, in all the right ways. JK Simmons delivers another heartwrenching, yet, glorious performance as a broken man trying his damnest to do right by the only part of his wife that remains- his son. Try not to shed a tear.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/04/23

Full Review

Dave V

A great movie dealing with grief and mental health issues. The road to healing is long, but faith that you can get through the hard times is well documented. A touching movie. Well done.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/06/23

Full Review

Steve B

Such an unexpected gem. Heavy at times? Sure. Superbly acted, rich characters, true to life powerful stuff.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/06/23

Full Review

Tim

Very good movie with a strong story. The actors and actresses were perfect in their roles.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/01/23

Full Review

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Kurt Voelker

Director

J.K. Simmons

Bill Ponder

Julie Delpy

Carine

Josh Wiggins

Wes

Odeya Rush

Lacy

Kevin Dunn

Paul Abernac

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The Bachelors: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

After the death of his wife, Bill and his 17-year-old son, Wes, move from a small town to a big city for a fresh start. As they begin to adjust to life in the city and seek ways to heal their wounds, they both find comfort in newfound romances. Although circumstances contribute to Bill and Wes growing apart, they come back together and rediscover their true selves in the process.

Director: Kurt Voelker
Producer: Matthew Baer, Bill Kiely, Joseph McKelheer, George Parra
Screenwriter: Kurt Voelker
Distributor: Freestyle Digital Media
Production Co: Matt Baer Films
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 20, 2017, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 20, 2017
Runtime: 1h 39m

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