‘Good One’ has the most shocking cinematic scene of the year

The best part of working as a film critic is discovering films that make you feel something you didn’t expect. These films stick with you and occupy your mind for weeks or months after you’ve seen them. When a film like this comes from a big new talent, it’s probably the same adrenaline rush that Olympic athletes get when they win a gold medal. That’s the exact feeling I got when I watched good oneA coming-of-age drama directed and written by debutant India Donaldson, featuring a stellar performance from Lily Kollias.

There are many reasons. good one It’s a very rich experience, but the moment that confirms it may be the most shocking and unique scene of the year.

What is special about this scene? good one It’s her accuracy.

The most dramatic or stunning sequences of the year often focus on extremes, like a truly epic slow-motion walk from a massive explosion, a major plot twist and/or dramatic reveal, or the absolutely insane, disgusting, and hysterical scene from 2022. triangle of sadnessThere’s usually loud music and fast editing, with every trick in the filmmaking book used to show how great what you’re watching is. But the pivotal moment in India Donaldson’s film is good one It comes suddenly and naturally—no soundtrack or timeline of the moment—which makes it feel real, fresh, and devastating.

Some context: good one The film follows 17-year-old Sam (Lily Kollias) as she goes on a camping trip with her father Chris (James Le Gros) and his friend Matt (Danny McCarthy). Matt’s son was supposed to join them on the trip but backed out at the last minute, leaving Sam feeling isolated from the jump.

(warning: spoilers for good one forward!)

At the end of the trip, Sam (Lily Kolias) sits around a campfire late at night with her father and Matt. They begin to talk about their frustrations, particularly their relationships with their ex-wives and Matt’s strained relationship with his son. Sam mostly absorbs it all as Chris and Matt openly say things to her that they probably shouldn’t. Her eyes widen in surprise and discomfort, but Sam actively listens and responds with valuable advice that Matt is impressed with. “You’re too young to be that wise,” he tells her.

It’s a beautiful moment between Sam, Chris and Matt, the kind of deep conversations that happen when there are no distractions – moments like these that people go camping for, to escape the world and think about their thoughts. Eventually, Chris’s exhaustion takes over, leaving Sam and Matt alone by the fire.

The camera alternates between off-center close-ups of Sam and Matt, with Matt praising Sam’s intelligence. They’re the words you long to hear when you’re young: an affirmation that your wisdom and your way of seeing the world are invaluable as you figure out your place in the world. Matt then starts talking about the moon, leaving a long silence. The camera zooms in on Sam, who is starting to feel uncomfortable in the situation, and she mentions that she’s going to put out the fire and go to bed. Jokingly, she recalls that Matt didn’t bring a sleeping bag, and says that she can leave the fire on if he wants to sleep next to it, since it’s probably warmer than his tent.

Matt didn’t miss a beat, but replied with a wide smile: “Unless you come to warm me up.”

There are moments in coming-of-age films that change the hero’s view of the world. boyhoodWhen Mason’s mother candidly reveals how frustrated and disappointed she was in her life. 8th gradeKayla has a very uncomfortable date with an older guy who harasses her. It’s the kind of scene that puts everything in place and exposes young people to the cruelty of the world that they may have heard about, but have yet to experience firsthand. That’s exactly what happens to Sam in good one With this amazing one line.

Matt must have tried to get close to his best friend’s 17-year-old daughter. The next shot is especially poignant, as we see Sam, clearly confused, partially obscured by Matt’s shadow. Reading her face, Matt tries to compose himself: “It’s not fair that your father has to endure excessive body heat,” trying to ease the tension. But it’s too late. Sam’s eyes flash, heavy with disappointment, as she feels almost paralyzed with shock. Eventually, she calms down and lets go, as Matt sits and contemplates the irrevocable choice he’s made.

This works because there are so many thoughts and lived experiences that fuel the moment: all it takes is one remark to change someone’s view of you and the world forever. Once you say something, you can’t take it back. The moment is startling in how natural and real it is. The line is delivered so quietly that you might mistakenly believe you didn’t hear exactly what Matt said, but Sam’s reaction tells you everything you need to know about her feelings.

Movie magic can often come when we least expect it. Sometimes, it’s a happy moment. good oneIt’s heartbreaking. And it takes an exceptionally talented cast and crew to pull off a sublime moment like this.