Suze (2023) is a charming and emotionally resonant dramedy that masterfully blends humor with heartfelt storytelling. What initially appears to be a lighthearted sitcom setup evolves into a poignant exploration of loneliness, healing, and the unexpected bonds that form in life’s most unpredictable moments.
Directed by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart, the film stars Michaela Watkins as Susan, a middle-aged woman grappling with personal loss and change. She unexpectedly finds herself living with her daughter’s ex-boyfriend, Gage (Charlie Gillespie), after a series of unfortunate events. Through a mix of witty dialogue, authentic performances, and strong character development, Suze delivers a unique take on intergenerational relationships.
But is Suze worth watching? Let’s dive into the film’s plot, characters, themes, cinematography, and overall impact to find out.
Plot Breakdown: More Than Just a Sitcom Premise
At first glance, Suze follows a seemingly simple premise:
Susan, a newly single mother, is ready to embrace an empty nest as her daughter Brooke leaves for university. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she ends up caring for Brooke’s ex-boyfriend, Gage, an overly affectionate and heartbroken young man.
However, what sets this film apart is the depth of its storytelling.
The story opens with Susan catching her husband (Sandy Jobin-Bevans) cheating on her—leading to their inevitable divorce. Fast-forward five years, Susan is now independent but emotionally stuck, struggling with her daughter Brooke’s departure to Montreal. Meanwhile, Brooke’s boyfriend, Gage, who hasn’t graduated high school yet, is left shattered when Brooke dumps him before leaving.
Circumstances force Susan and Gage to share a home, and their dynamic shifts from irritation to reluctant companionship. What follows is an exploration of human connection, highlighting how loneliness affects people of all ages. Susan, initially dismissive of Gage, gradually realizes that they both need to move on—from her past marriage and his heartbreak.
The film cleverly subverts expectations, showing that unlikely friendships can offer unexpected healing.
Character Development: Heartfelt and Authentic Performances
One of Suze’s strongest aspects is its well-developed characters, each portrayed with nuance and depth.
Michaela Watkins as Susan (“Suze”)
Watkins delivers an outstanding performance, portraying a woman navigating midlife struggles with a mix of humor and vulnerability. Suze is not a typical nurturing mother figure—she’s sarcastic, guarded, and emotionally distant. Yet, her interactions with Gage reveal layers of suppressed emotion, making her transformation throughout the film incredibly satisfying.
Charlie Gillespie as Gage
Gillespie shines as Gage, capturing the essence of youthful optimism mixed with deep-seated insecurities. Initially perceived as an immature, love-struck teenager, Gage gradually emerges as a complex character with genuine warmth and resilience. His chemistry with Watkins is the heart of the film, making their evolving relationship feel authentic and touching.
Sara Waisglass as Brooke
Brooke’s character is essential to the story, as she represents both Suze’s attachment issues and Gage’s emotional turmoil. While she is absent for most of the film, her presence lingers through her mother’s and ex-boyfriend’s struggles.
Aaron Ashmore as Gage’s Father
Ashmore plays a cold and detached father figure, whose unwillingness to take responsibility for Gage’s well-being contrasts sharply with Suze’s reluctant but ultimately genuine care.
The film succeeds because it treats its characters with respect, allowing them to evolve naturally rather than relying on clichés.
Themes and Message: A Story About Growth and Human Connection
Suze is more than just a quirky dramedy—it’s a film that delves into universal themes of:
✅ Loneliness and Emotional Healing – Whether it’s Suze dealing with her daughter’s departure or Gage struggling with heartbreak, both characters are forced to confront their solitude.
✅ Unexpected Friendships – The film challenges the idea that friendships must be conventional, showing that people from different generations can form meaningful connections.
✅ Personal Growth Through Adversity – Both Suze and Gage undergo transformations as they navigate their grief and self-doubt, proving that emotional growth can happen at any stage in life.
✅ The Importance of Being Seen and Understood – Gage is initially dismissed as a goofy, immature kid, but as the film progresses, it becomes clear that he—like everyone—just wants to be acknowledged and valued.
Cinematography and Visuals: Simple Yet Effective
Suze embraces a grounded visual style that complements its intimate storytelling.
🎥 Cinematography Highlights:
- The use of warm, natural lighting reflects the emotional progression of the characters.
- Suburban settings create a sense of realism, making the characters’ experiences feel relatable.
- The film’s color palette shifts subtly to mirror character emotions, with muted tones early on giving way to warmer hues as Suze and Gage grow closer.
While not visually groundbreaking, the cinematography effectively enhances the film’s themes of emotional depth and transformation.
How Suze Compares to Similar Films
Suze shares thematic similarities with other heartfelt dramedies:
🎭 Similar to The Fundamentals of Caring (2016) – Both films explore the unexpected bond between two vastly different individuals, blending humor with emotional depth.
🎭 Resonates with Enough Said (2013) – Like Suze, this film features a midlife protagonist dealing with personal growth and late-in-life connections.
🎭 Unlike Lady Bird (2017) – While Lady Bird focuses on a mother-daughter relationship, Suze shifts the focus to an unconventional intergenerational friendship.
Though Suze doesn’t reinvent the genre, it delivers a refreshingly honest take on personal transformation.
Final Verdict: Is Suze Worth Watching?
✅ Absolutely. Suze is a hidden gem that offers a mix of humor, heart, and genuine emotion. It’s not just about an odd living arrangement—it’s about finding connections in unexpected places.
🔹 Strengths:
✔️ Outstanding performances by Watkins and Gillespie
✔️ Authentic character development
✔️ Well-balanced humor and emotion
✔️ A touching exploration of human relationships
🔹 Potential Weaknesses:
❌ Some narrative contrivances (e.g., Gage moving in with Suze feels forced)
❌ A few underdeveloped side plots
Despite these minor flaws, Suze is a rewarding watch for fans of character-driven dramedies.
Where to Watch Suze (2023) Online
📺 Suze is currently available for streaming and rental on:
✅ Amazon Prime Video
✅ Apple TV
🎬 Watch the Trailer:
If you love heartfelt dramedies with strong character dynamics, Suze is a must-watch! Stream it today and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. What did you think of Suze and Gage’s unique bond?
