Good One Takes to the Woods for a Gorgeous and Subtle Coming-of-Age Story

As a seasoned movie critic with a penchant for films that resonate deeply and leave lasting impressions, I must say that “Good One” is a gem of a debut by India Donaldson. This film is a poignant exploration of kindness, empathy, and the human capacity to both give and take without realizing it.

Sometimes it seems like doing the right thing can feel more troublesome than helpful, making you wish you could change the past. The movie ‘Good One’, written and directed by India Donaldson, explores one such difficult moment. It’s about realizing that people, driven by their own needs, might unintentionally exploit others’ kindness and empathy. Additionally, it portrays the perspective of a thoughtful teenager trying to navigate the complexities of life. The film subtly touches on these themes without forcefully stating them, allowing them to swim just beneath the surface like small, agile fish. Despite its modest size, ‘Good One’ leaves a lasting impression.

As a devoted cinephile, I find myself immersed in the story of Sam (Lily Collias), a 17-year-old girl embarking on a weekend camping adventure in the breathtaking Catskills with her dad, Chris (James Le Gros). It’s been some time since his divorce from Sam’s mother. Joining them is Chris’ longtime friend, Matt (Danny McCarthy), an exuberant, unemployed actor still grappling with the aftermath of a recent divorce. Matt’s teenage son was supposed to accompany them, but at the last moment, he opted out. Sam, slightly displeased at the prospect of spending the weekend with these two seasoned gentlemen, takes one final glance at her phone before venturing too deep into the wilderness, checking for updates on a party she’s missing. Despite his occasional irritating ways, she finds herself drawn to Matt. Their father-daughter camping trips have become a cherished tradition over the years. Unspoken within her is the realization that these trips may soon come to an end, as Sam is preparing to embark on college and the inevitable changes that lie ahead. We, the audience, sense this shift, even if she does not.

As a seasoned hiker myself, I’ve come across various types of companions throughout my years exploring the great outdoors. One such individual is Matt, a character that’s as unique as they come. With his knack for filling his backpack with an excess of junk food and camping supplies for what feels like an entire army, it’s clear he marches to the beat of his own drum.

As a film aficionado, I instinctively sense their anguish, and despite occasionally teasing my father about his advanced age following his new relationship’s birth, I empathize with their melancholy. On our trail adventure, I diligently cater to them, ensuring their drinking water is purified and whipping up a hearty ramen meal that leaves them ravenous, like small beasts devouring their food. “You two are quite the appetites,” I remark as they slurp away. Listening patiently by the campfire, I bear witness to Matt’s soul-baring about his life’s hardships. I feel the resonance of his sorrow in every fiber of my being – it shows in the arch of my eyebrows, ready to capture the emotions swirling around us, even from those who can be trying at times.

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Then, everything changes abruptly, in a moment that cannot be reversed. Captured by Wilson Cameron, Good One takes us on a journey through visual serenity, showcasing tranquil scenes of swaying trees and a vibrant newt darting across rocky surfaces. A keen-eyed Sam notices a slug crawling over damp leaves and alerts her father to it, even finding beauty in what some might consider unpleasant creatures. However, a pivotal moment in the film taints these wonders with a sense of melancholy. Although nature remains reliable, humans can be disappointingly untrustworthy.

In a subtle film like this one, it takes skilled actors to pull off such a performance, and director Donaldson has managed to gather three of them. McCarthy’s character Matt is so obliviously talkative at times that you might feel inclined to scold him. However, when he describes the concept of earthshine – how a new moon can reflect sunlight back towards Earth as if it were returning a blessing – you can hardly remain angry with him. Through his performance, McCarthy reveals the tender heart hidden beneath Matt’s boisterous acting. Le Gros, an actor known for his exceptional talent, portrays Chris as one of those fathers who is somewhat self-absorbed but believes his daughter is so well-adjusted that he doesn’t have to worry about her. He fails to recognize that good parenting involves not just worrying, but truly observing and listening to the young person standing before him.

In this celestial grouping, Collias stands out as the most radiant figure. She speaks volumes with minimal actions. A group of easygoing young adults pitched their camp nearby, initially causing Sam some annoyance. However, her expression softens when encountering their friendly banter. These youthful individuals might be reckless, but they have time on their side, while Sam finds herself stuck with two middle-aged gentlemen complaining about their personal issues. Collias is at the cusp of many beginnings; she’s shown multiple times hiding behind a tree to change her tampon, underscoring her youth and vitality. In contrast, the older men in her vicinity are clueless about their circumstances. Collias subtly portrays an evolution into womanhood, a transformation that can occur swiftly. She’s on the brink of emergence, much like the new moon, yet she generates her own source of light.

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2024-08-09 18:06