The Goodbye Girl (2004)

In the bustling city of New York, ex-Broadway chorus dancer Paula McFadden finds her life turned upside-down. A single mother to spirited adolescent Lucy, Paula has been content to play the role of a "wife" and mother, first to Lucy's father and later to actor Tony De Forrest. Paula's world comes crashing down when she discovers Tony has abandoned her, leaving her with no choice but to return to her dancing roots to support her and Lucy. To make matters worse, Paula learns that her apartment, which she believed to be her sanctuary, has been sublet by Tony to up-and-coming actor Elliot Garfield. Elliot, an out-of-towner, has journeyed to New York to take on the lead role in an avant-garde off-Broadway production of Richard III. Armed with the legal high ground and a key to the apartment, Elliot is determined to claim his new home. Paula, however, is not about to give up her living space without a fight. The pragmatic Paula decides to share her apartment with Elliot, resenting him as a symbolic reminder of her failed relationships. She attempts to drive him out by making his life unbearable, but the resilient Elliot holds his ground. Unbeknownst to Paula, a bond begins to form between Elliot and Lucy, who is instantly charmed by the actor. As they navigate their unconventional living arrangement, Paula and Elliot face their professional challenges. Paula grapples with her return to dancing, painfully aware of her physical limitations, while Elliot wrestles with his director's unusual vision for Richard III. Amidst the chaos, they find themselves unwittingly drawn to each other. Despite her growing affection for Elliot, Paula, twice bitten, is wary of diving into another relationship, fearful that Elliot will follow in the footsteps of Bobby and Tony. The Goodbye Girl is a captivating tale of resilience, love, and the often surprising twists of fate, set against the vibrant backdrop of New York's theatrical world.

The Goodbye Girl is a comedy movie featuring Jeff Daniels and directed by Richard Benjamin.

It is possible to buy The Goodbye Girl on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.