by Good One Review: Occasionally, a newcomer delivers such a commanding performance that it immediately marks them as a rising star in every project they tackle. Lily Gladstone’s remarkable breakthrough in Kelly Reichardt’s Certain Women is a prime example of this kind of moment. These instances, where a fresh face captivates and leaves a lasting impression, make exploring new films an exhilarating experience.
The latest to make such a memorable impact is Lily Collias, who delivers a subtle yet compelling performance in India Donaldson’s feature debut, Good One. Although Collias had a supporting role in last year’s Palm Trees and Power Lines, her turn here as the lead is a revelation. The film highlights her ability to immerse us in the life of a teenager on a backpacking trip with her father and his friend, marking the debut of both Collias and Donaldson as noteworthy new talents.
Good One (2024)
Drama
In the Catskills, 17-year-old Sam navigates the tension between her father and his old friend during a weekend backpacking trip.
Release Date
January 21, 2024
Director
India Donaldson
Cast
James Le Gros, Danny McCarthy, Sumaya Bouhbal, Lily Collias
Runtime
90 minutes
Main Genre
Drama
Writers
India Donaldson
What Is Good One About?
The film centers on Sam (Collias), but also delves deeply into her father Chris (James Le Gros) and his friend Matt (Danny McCarthy). Their planned three-day backpacking adventure in the picturesque Catskills is thrown into disarray when a heated argument between Chris and Matt leads to Matt leaving his son behind. As a result, Sam must navigate the trip with the two men, whose constant bickering transforms what was meant to be a fun outing into an increasingly frustrating experience. The film captures the growing discomfort of the trip with meticulous detail, making it almost unbearable as the tension mounts. While Sam cherishes these trips with her father, her frustration with how she is treated is palpable throughout.
The breathtaking landscape in Good one, skillfully captured by cinematographer Wilson Cameron, contrasts sharply with the film’s underlying tension, enhanced by Celia Hollander’s evocative score. Donaldson’s deliberate pacing and focus on visual and musical beauty evoke comparisons to Reichardt’s work. However, Good One explores different thematic territory, focusing on a young person managing adult egos with authentic, painful realism. The Good One film portrays how Sam’s insights are undervalued by the adults around her, and their dismissive behavior highlights a recurring pattern of neglect.
Lily Collias Is Outstanding in Good One
Collias exhibits a level of confidence and poise that makes her performance feel seasoned beyond her years. Despite the convincing portrayals of Le Gros and McCarthy, Collias’ performance stands out. She navigates each scene with remarkable depth, conveying complex emotions with subtlety. Her performance reaches a poignant peak in a distressing scene where Sam confronts a dangerous situation and is ultimately dismissed by those she should be able to rely on. This betrayal, captured with raw intensity by Collias, underscores the emotional weight of her role.
The serene natural setting contrasts sharply with the emotional turmoil Sam faces, turning what should be a cherished memory into a source of profound pain. Just as Charlotte Wells depicted the nuanced pain of a father-daughter relationship in Aftersun, Donaldson portrays how familial bonds can also be a source of deep hurt. The film’s resolution, though it might seem overly neat, underscores Sam’s ongoing struggle against the inadequacies of those around her. Donaldson and Collias create a compelling portrait of a young woman whose potential is stifled by those meant to support her. If not for the men who hold her back, Sam’s potential would soar, highlighting the stark contrast between her aspirations and her reality.
