Second Best (1994)

In the quaint backdrop of a small English village, Graham Holt, a solitary middle-aged man, holds the reins of a postal substation. His life is as quiet as the town he dwells in, void of familial warmth. A flicker of hope emerges when he decides to embrace fatherhood and adopt a son, a decision that brings ten-year-old James into his life. James, a troubled youth, has been shuffling through life in an orphanage since his mother's tragic suicide. His affections are firmly tied to his outlaw father, John, who was incarcerated shortly after his mother's demise. Graham, carrying an unfulfilled longing for paternal bonds, must navigate the intricacies of forming a connection with a boy whose heart is tethered to another. Meanwhile, James must wrestle with the haunting shadows of his past and the prospect of a new father figure who yearns for his affection. The question becomes: can James expand his heart to embrace Graham as his father? Can Graham find fulfillment in his newfound role, even if he might always be considered second best? This poignant tale unravels the complex threads of love, acceptance, and the true essence of family, leaving viewers contemplating the intricate dynamics of human relationships.

Second Best is a drama movie featuring William Hurt and directed by Chris Menges.

Second Best is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Plex and Plex Player and it's also available on Hulu.

It is also possible to buy Second Best on Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies and YouTube.