Photo courtesy of Metrograph.
It is always refreshing to see a debut director so deftly grab the bull by the horns, but India Donaldson’s “Good One” has turned out to be something even more encouraging.
From the flaws of the supporting characters and the initial trust of the protagonist, this quiet, seemingly lollygagging film is a masterclass in blurred expectations, ego trips and the breaking and retaliation of a youth’s innocence. All in a weekend through-hike, to boot.
Seventeen-year-old Sam (Lily Collias) is hiking with her dad, Chris (James Le Gros), and his oldest friend, Matt (Danny McCarthy). It’s an odd group for a camping trip, as apparently the absence of one person can shift the dynamic entirely—Matt’s son has refused to come due to some family issues (We later learn why he doesn’t want to spend time with his father, when Matt makes his sadness everyone’s problem).
While it is clear that Chris and Matt have known each other for ages, the way they bicker and poke fun gives the impression that they may not fully like each other as they once did. And poor Sam is along for the ride, her attention partially divided by a group text with her friends back home and observing the chaos that Chris and Matt bring to the trip.
Sam is a good kid and quickly adopts the role of an adult essentially taking care of two kids in the woods. She cooks the meals, she cleans the dishes, and she therapizes Matt when he complains about his life. She quietly admonishes her father when he’s rude to his friend. Chris and Matt may have adult accomplishments ascribed to their name such as marriage, kids and divorce, but, at present, any responsibility they take is really just a claim of superiority over the other. Probably the only responsible thing that Chris does throughout the entire story is yell at his friend for having done something to potentially attract a bear, though his protective qualities end there, it seems.
The film is worth watching simply for the subtlety Donaldson works into every scene, though there is plenty more to applaud in this directorial debut (all three of the leading cast do such an excellent job, but Collias’ minute yet bold performance needs to be commended). Donaldson really makes you want to like the older characters for as long as possible. Chris and Matt are funny, and they’re comfortable with each other, and we tend to root for that. It takes a bit to click into place that this is actually intentional, but once you begin to notice, their selfish natures come shining through, leaving Sam to grapple with some uncomfortable truths. Her arc is fascinating as she slowly comes to grips with the entire experience, leaving us with a bleak yet hyper-realistic ending that will churn in your mind well after the credits roll. The fact that Sam throws out one last attempt at the end to claim her role as the child in the group is not lost on this reviewer.
The story moves at a very slow rate, but the payoff in the end is satisfying, if not simultaneously frustrating, and worth it. This is definitely a film you’ll want to sink your teeth into, and there are multiple facets of the story to chew on. “Good Ones” will play at Midtown Cinema this August. Do yourself a favor and give it a watch.
Midtown Cinema is located at 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com.
August Events At Midtown Cinema
Late Night Frights
“House of 1000 Corpses” (2003)
Friday, Aug. 2 at 9:30 p.m.
“The Funhouse” (1981)
Friday, Aug. 23 at 9:30 p.m.
“Audition” (1999)
Friday, Aug. 30 at 9:30 p.m.
National Theatre Live
“King Lear”
Sunday, Aug. 4 at 4 p.m.
“Fleabag”
Sunday, Aug. 11 at 5 p.m.
“Vanya”
Tuesday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m.
“Hamlet:
Sunday, Aug. 18 at noon
“Nye”
Sunday, Aug. 25 at 4 p.m.
Down in Front! Presents
“Tiptoes” (2003)
Friday, Aug. 9 at 9:30 p.m.
Sunday Docs
“My Octopus Teacher” (2020)
Sunday, Aug. 11 at noon
3rd in the Burg Movie Night
“Akira” (1988)
Friday, Aug. 16 at 9:30 p.m.
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