Revelations and coming of age against the backdrop of the Hudson River in the Festival of Singular Films opening film.
Good One
- Date:
- 20 Sep 2024,
19:30–22:30
- Age restrictions
- 18+
Good One
2024, India Donaldson
United States
89 minutes, English with Russian subtitles
Starring: Lily Collias, James Le Gros, Danny McCarthy
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17-year-old Sam packs her bag: she has promised to join her father and his best friend Matt on a trip to the Catskill Mountains. She’d prefer to spend the weekend with friends, especially as reception is not so reliable in the mountains. When they get there, Sam discovers that she not only has to listen to two middle-aged divorced men complaining about their lives and pouring out their hearts, but also must act as the most mature of the three. Then an incident takes place which drastically changes the mood of the whole trip.
Shot from Good One, 2024
Lily Collias is sensational in her first leading role, expertly painting a portrait of a young woman in which many will see themselves reflected.
— Yasmine Kandil, Little White Lies
Sam, who is wise beyond her years, is one of the most interesting characters in this year’s film releases, and debuting director India Donaldson didn’t even have to give her all that many lines to say: Lily Collias’ unusually expressive eyes are enough. Donaldson works with subtle nuances, with the dazzling landscapes of the Catskill Mountains serving as a backdrop not so much for the conflict of generations as dynamic of constant changes in the relationship between the three characters. These observations on the changeability and impermanence of human nature are so convincing and accurate that they create a unique, almost sensuous experience.
The film was featured in the Golden Camera competition at the Cannes festival and at the Sundance festival (2024).
The screening will begin with a brief speech by the curator in Russian. If you require interpretation into English, please request it at least three days in advance by emailing international@ges-2.org.
The opening ceremony of the festival will feature a special screening of Marcel Duchamp’s Anémic Cinéma, the artist’s only film (1926, France, 7 min). This classic silent film will have a musical accompaniment by contemporary composer Anton Svetlichny.
