Kevin Bacon’s new NYC movie, “The Best You Can,” premiered recently, reuniting him on screen with his wife Kyra Sedgwick after two decades at venues and neighborhoods central to their New York life, revealing both their deep city roots and thoughts on changing times in cinema. The couple, known for their long marriage and commitment to the arts, opened up about their favorite Manhattan haunts, the inspiration behind their new film, and their connection to the city’s nonstop pace and culture.
Returning to New York Through Cinema
Sedgwick and Bacon, a real-life couple for 37 years, reflected on what it means to be true New Yorkers. Over a video call, Sedgwick said,
“I think that there is a certain kind of something that is in your blood as a New Yorker,”
– Kyra Sedgwick, Actress. She added,
“You’re fast, you’re moving, you’re rushing. You’ve got places to be and things to do.”
– Kyra Sedgwick, Actress. Their return to working together comes after 20 years apart on screen, making this film a meaningful milestone in their careers.
Where Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick Experience the Movies
Bacon reminisced about the cinematic tradition of the city, stating,
“Growing up and being in New York in the 1970s, which was such a seminal moment in American film history, going to the movies feels like a really important part of our lives,”
– Kevin Bacon, Actor. He continued,
“We really, really make an effort to go out and sit down and get some popcorn and experience the thrill of the movies.”
– Kevin Bacon, Actor. When it comes to their preferred theaters, the couple rarely sticks to one spot. Rather, as they noted, they simply
“go where we need to go,”
– Kevin Bacon, Actor, depending on what’s showing.
Favorites for both actors include AMC 84th Street 6 and New Plaza Cinema on 67th Street in their beloved Upper West Side. LOOK Dine-In on 57th Street and the Angelika are also regularly visited, reflecting their passion for both cinema itself and the unique offerings of neighborhood theaters throughout New York City.
Diving Into “The Best You Can”
Their new project, “The Best You Can,” captures the nervous energy, pace, and emotional rawness that characterizes much of New York. In the film, Sedgwick plays Cynthia, a reserved urologist, whose life rapidly changes as her husband displays signs of dementia. Bacon’s character, Stan—a security guard cut off from his daughter—finds his world unexpectedly colliding with Cynthia’s during a late-night break-in. This encounter launches a narrative exploring unexpected middle-aged connections in contemporary America.
Sedgwick noted the film’s freshness, stating,
“It’s a story that felt really fresh and some of the themes it was exploring felt fresh because we don’t have a lot of movies about middle age in America,”
– Kyra Sedgwick, Actress. She further reflected,
“It just doesn’t seem like we are exploring this time of our lives and we should be because we are all getting there.”
– Kyra Sedgwick, Actress. Her comments underscore the rarity of such stories, especially when framed in a city so closely tied to the couple’s own journey.
Embracing Local Flavor—On and Off the Screen
In addition to their love for film, the couple cherishes New York’s dining scene. When they dine out, familiar spots become favorites, with particular affection for Italian eateries such as Gennaro and Tarallucci e Vino—both neighborhood staples in the Upper West Side. The couple’s connection to the local restaurant scene is candid and full of humor. Sedgwick shared a playful critique:
“There aren’t that many great restaurants on the Upper West Side, sadly!”
– Kyra Sedgwick, Actress.
Her remarks hint at both nostalgia and a gentle challenge for the city’s hospitality industry, reflecting the ever-changing nature of dining in Manhattan and the actors’ continued search for standout local spots.
Impact and What Lies Ahead
Kevin Bacon’s new NYC movie not only marks a cinematic reunion with Kyra Sedgwick, but also showcases their enduring bond with New York—the city that has shaped them both professionally and personally. As “The Best You Can” brings fresh focus to stories of mid-life and connection, Bacon, Sedgwick, and their vivid portrayal of New Yorkers promise to inspire audiences while reviving interest in the city’s classic movie houses and neighborhood restaurants. The film stands as a celebration of New York, calling attention to the city’s changing cultural heartbeat and the personal stories that define it.
