A three-day backpacking journey in India changes a 17-year-old's view of her father irreversibly. Friday's first "Good One," Donaldson's, in cinemas
Something goes happening. Then something else fails to happen. But that more of the tear point on the already fragile fabric of a relationship that has been disintegrating from years of neglect.
Originally, the journey to the Catskills was seen as a shared family one. Chris (James Le Gros) and his daughter Sam (recent immigrant Lily Collias) had intended to accompany Chris's old buddy Matt ( Danny McCarthy) and his teenage son. But when they arrive at Matt's house, the father and son are arguing; the boy withdraws to the apartment while Matt stomps to Chris's car. The adolescent son no longer travels with them.
Donaldson fixes her camera on Sam, whose expression and intensely expressive eyes convey all you need to know: This is strange and it does not seem right. She is suddenly on a lads vacation with a pair of depressed middle aged men who have known one another for decades and whose lives have not turned out as expected. Both are apart from one another. Chris moved on and is now the parent of a new baby. Matt is still in early stages of his life being turned upside down. And, lad, do they discuss their failed relationships, one of which clearly involves Sam's mother? "I failed to bring her happiness." "She was the first one beginning activities." "I didn't want to call it divorce."
Sam rolls her eyes a lot of the time; other times she reacts brilliantly. The boys seem to not hear her as well as half hear her. Sam is not going to change their story, their victimization, which they long ago chose with a small amount of innocent truth.
You wonder whether they are usually as open about their frustrations, mistakes, and faults around their children? Alternatively is this a fresh experience this journey offers? Chris especially has overlooked the fact that Sam, for all her worldly and smart appearance, is still a young person. Sam had already begun to see that her father is just as imperfect as everyone; but, on this journey his whole personality is clearly on show.
It's easy to forget that these are actors delivering lines they have committed to memory in front of a camera; all of the acting is excellent and so realistic. Le Gros is the neat super camper who freeks out over his daughter's safety from bears when he finds Matt eating in his tent; he does little later on; McCarthy is a failed actor and now failing spouse who can be charming and entertaining but is essentially disgusting. Collias, though, is the actual breakthrough. Her face and presence, sympathetic and understanding, carry the whole movie in an outstanding portrayal of modern girlhood with all of the dreaminess, awkwardness and dullness. You may also read this: Despicable Me 4’ Reigns At Box Office
Like Kelly Reichardt, Donaldson has a great eye for the smallest of things; a response, a grimace, or a blank look that conveys everything. She also understands when to give the audience a nature break and turn away from the people and the conversation. One of the wise choices was to have Sam on her period throughout the trip; she deals with this secretly among trees and shrubs as the boys eagerly wait.
The boys occasionally fantasize about what they would do differently if they had a second shot at life. Matt would be a philosophical person. Chris used to run a bookshop. And what about Sam? they wonder. She says, optimistically, that she still has a chance to decide on this life. Definitely.
In a cinematic scene of lethal storms, apocalypseses and multiversals merging, these stakes would appear quite low. Still, that is what makes it so unique. With all of its charms and frustrations, it is mankind—most of us experience it. And one that you probably will carry about for some time.
The Motion Picture Association gives "Good One, a Metrograph pictures release in limited cinemas Friday, R for "language." 90 minutes is the running time. Out of four stars, four.
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