Aaron's Thoughts
Set against the backdrop of the Catskill mountains, Good One first presents itself as your typical coming of age tale.
Very quickly though our expectations are subverted. The youngest member of the group is far more mature than her age suggests. In fact, she may actually be the most mature of the whole group.
While this all unravels, there is a sense of impeding danger that hangs over the whole film. Whether it is the score or the events on screen, this tone grips your heart in ways not many films do. At times it is so extreme that you almost just want to get it over with so you can relax once again.
The film of course shows the turn, but it is much more interested in what comes after. As characters start to process this moment, it all unfolds in a simply poetic way. The breadcrumbs that have been laid throughout the film all start piling up in your head. One of the best third acts I have seen in quite some time. It is as quiet and nuanced as the mountains themselves, but also just as revelatory.
Hope this gets a theatrical release at some point. What a beautiful work of art.
