Why Stop Now (film)

Why Stop Now is a 2012 American dark comedy film directed by Phil Dorling and Ron Nyswaner. The film stars Jesse Eisenberg as Eli Bloom, a piano prodigy struggling to get his drug-addicted mother, Penny (Melissa Leo), into rehab on the same day he has a crucial audition for a prestigious music school.

The narrative follows Eli's increasingly complicated day as he enlists the reluctant help of a drug dealer, Sprinkles (Tracy Morgan), and his volatile associate, Mr. Leonard (Isiah Whitlock Jr.), to acquire the funds and logistics needed for Penny's treatment. The film explores themes of family dysfunction, addiction, ambition, and the sacrifices one makes for those they love.

Why Stop Now premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. It received mixed reviews, with critics generally praising the performances of the lead actors, particularly Eisenberg and Leo, but finding the plot uneven and at times tonally inconsistent.