A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Millions of American kids grew up with Fred Rogers’ educational programs. Mr. Rogers explained the world from a child’s perspective. He showed kids how to behave in difficult situations and how to get out of trouble. Before Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers also taught children about divorce and about what to do when a loved one dies. He did all this with the patient, soothing voice of someone seemingly not from this planet, as if the person it belonged to had never experienced anything unpleasant or disturbing. Esquire’s Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys) decides to take a closer look at the figure of Mr. Rogers for a special issue of the magazine dedicated to heroes. Indeed, given the popularity and reputation of the TV host, few would be more deserving of such an honor. That said, Vogel is completely immune to Rogers’ charms, and he even tries to prove that it’s all fake—something practiced in front of a mirror for the sake of television. The film is very highly rated on Rotten Tomatoes, 95%, and The Wrap praises Marielle Heller’s work, calling the film a sweet miracle and a valentine to kindness.