In Theaters Friday — “Good One,” the impressive debut film by director Donaldson, offers a delicate yet powerful exploration of family dynamics through a three-day backpacking trip in India. The film, which hits theaters this Friday, is one of the year’s standout indie releases.
The story follows 17-year-old Sam (portrayed with remarkable depth by newcomer Lily Collias) whose perception of her father, Chris (played by James Le Gros), is irrevocably changed during the trip. The planned family getaway to the Catskills, intended to include Chris’s old friend Matt (Danny McCarthy) and his teenage son, quickly unravels when the son bails, leaving Sam with two disillusioned middle-aged men.
Donaldson masterfully focuses on Sam, whose expressive face reveals her unease and discontent with the sudden shift from a family vacation to a “boys’ trip” among the older men. Chris and Matt, both divorced and struggling with their life’s disappointments, openly discuss their failed relationships, including Sam’s mother. This candidness forces Sam to confront her father’s flaws and the reality of his imperfections.
The film’s acting is top-notch, with Le Gros embodying a meticulous camper obsessed with safety and McCarthy as a charming yet obnoxious failed actor. However, it’s Collias’s standout performance that truly anchors the film. Her portrayal of modern girlhood captures the dreaminess, awkwardness, and boredom of adolescence with striking authenticity.
Donaldson’s attention to detail, reminiscent of Kelly Reichardt’s style, is evident in every scene. The film captures subtle reactions and expressions that convey deep emotional truths. One notable choice is the portrayal of Sam dealing with her period discreetly, a quiet but powerful moment that adds to the film’s realism.
In a world dominated by high-stakes blockbusters, “Good One” stands out for its intimate examination of human experiences. The film’s focus on personal relationships and its understated portrayal of life’s challenges make it a memorable and impactful watch.
“Good One,” distributed by Metrograph Pictures, is rated R for language and has a running time of 90 minutes. It opens in limited theaters this Friday and is rated four stars out of four.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
