AMERICAN INDIES

GOOD ONE

2023 / 90 min / color

17-year-old Sam (Lily Collias, in a touching performance) sets off on a three-day trip to the incredibly picturesque Catskill Mountains. She’s accompanied by her father Chris and his best friend Matt, whose son dropped out at the last minute, causing the nature of the trip to change a bit. The hike was supposed to be a bonding experience for the two fathers and their teenage kids, but instead of paying attention to his daughter, Chris competes and banters endlessly with Matt. Clearly disappointed by this display of male ego, Sam slowly begins to reevaluate her relationship with her father. India Donaldson’s film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, is one of last year’s most interesting debuts. This intimate coming-of-age drama captures the moment when the bond between a child and their parent begins to unravel and they begin to go their separate ways. Set against spectacular scenery, which is captured with exquisite delicacy by cinematographer Wilson Cameron, Good One is quintessential American indie cinema.

• Boston IFF – Grand Jury Prize;

• Pingyao IFF – Special Mention