India Donaldson's debut feature Good One, unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival 's Quinzaine des Cinéastes , is a delicate coming-of-age. Expected in French cinemas on November 20, 2024, the film follows the journey of Sam(Lily Collias), a 17-year-old girl who would love to spend the weekend in the quiet with her friends.
Yet she agrees to accompany her father Chris(James LeGros) on a three-day hike in the bucolic Catskills mountains of New York State. Chris's lifelong friend Matt(Danny McCarthy) is also invited. A trip into the woods begins, revealing the intergenerational chasm that separates the teenager from the two men.
If Good One is a film about learning about oneself, it also turns out to be a film about learning about others. While Sam endures incessant and unwelcome boomer reflections from her father and Matt (on her supposed veganism, possible homosexuality, driving habits and many other outdated clichés), India Donaldson manages to make these two worlds coexist without confrontation. A coming-of-age story for a young woman with a teenage look and attitude, determined to keep her hiking boots on, in tune with the times in which she lives.
Even if it means distancing herself when she thinks it's necessary - and even if her revenge takes immature turns - after a scene of misunderstanding between her father and herself, when she reports to him remarks made by his best friend. "Don't see evil everywhere. Can't we just have a nice day?" he retorts, reluctant to defend or understand her. Again and again, the contours of ordinary sexism and misogyny take shape .
An important weekend for Sam, which allows her to finally step out of the role of "good girl" - hence the title of the work - that she stubbornly held on to, choosing to put her own well-being before that of others. A work that explores theintimacy of this young girl, crystallizing this unique phase in her passage to adulthood, finally turning her back on the family dynamics of her past.
Cinema: which film to see today, this Thursday September 19, 2024?
Not sure which film to see today? Well, we've got plenty of films to show near you. [Read more]
If you're a fan of French cinema, you're in for a treat! Here's a list of French, Belgian, Swiss and Canadian films currently (and soon) playing in cinemas! [Read more]
Cinema: which film to see today, this Thursday September 19, 2024?
Cinema: French films to see in cinemas now and in the near future
