India Donaldson’s Good One feels of inspiration from the world of Kelly Reichardt, with sprinkles of Nicole Holofcener and Noah Baumbach, but ultimately Good One is an original, specific and special Sundance gem, and maybe the best film of the festival I’ve seen. From the point of view of what seems like an apathetic teenager; Sam reveals to be an observant soul, of the non sense her dad and his best friend have conjured over the years. While on a camping trip with the two unaware disappointments, Sam helps them point out mistakes they’ve made and are making, when over looking the questions they ponder about their lives, while her dad belittles his best friend who is in a lot of pain. As the trip through gorgeous landscape goes on, Sam realizes that these two men are in more denial than they would like to admit, and a darkness is brewing inside them, and worse, Sam’s faith in the men whom she trusts the most, becomes tainted. India’s measured and beautifully contemplative film, not only looks incredible and encouraging to go hiking in the wilderness, but also reminds us of the moments growing up, when we realize our families aren’t the pillars of citizen we once thought they were, and a reminder that young women are still growing up in a world where men still feel like a threat. And with that, the youth can be a scathing reflection of parental neglect, and parental irresponsibility. Lily Collias may have the best performance of Sundance 2024. 10/10.
- Maurice Jones
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