In the thought-provoking film "Good One," director India Donaldson presents a nuanced exploration of gender dynamics through the lens of a teenage girl's camping trip. Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Catskill Mountains, the film delves into the complex interplay between men and women, particularly focusing on how young women observe and interpret male behavior.
The story centers around Sam (Lily Collias), a 17-year-old on the cusp of her college journey, who embarks on a weekend hiking expedition with her father Chris (James LeGros) and his longtime friend Matt (Danny McCarthy). This setting in the Catskills, a region steeped in natural beauty and rich history, provides a fitting backdrop for the unfolding drama. The area, once a popular resort destination in the mid-20th century, has inspired countless artists and writers, much like how Sam's experiences shape her understanding of the world around her.
As the trio traverses the wilderness, Sam keenly observes the interactions between the two men, offering viewers a unique perspective on male dynamics. The Catskills, home to diverse wildlife and a tapestry of hiking trails established in the late 19th century, serve as a metaphor for Sam's journey of discovery. Just as hikers navigate the rugged terrain, Sam navigates the complex landscape of adult relationships and self-discovery.
Chris and Matt embody contrasting personalities, each revealing different facets of masculinity. Chris, portrayed as a meticulous hipster, and Matt, the lovable yet hapless friend, unknowingly expose their insecurities and moral blind spots to Sam's watchful eye. Their conversations and behaviors, set against the backdrop of campfires and forest trails, offer Sam insights into the adult world she's about to enter.
"As I watch them, I realize that growing up isn't just about leaving home. It's about seeing the adults in your life for who they really are – flawed, complex, and sometimes painfully human."
The film's setting in the Catskills adds layers of meaning to the narrative. This region, which played a significant role in the American Revolution and later became known for its "Borscht Belt" history, mirrors the revolutionary changes occurring in Sam's perspective. Just as the area has experienced a resurgence with an influx of young creatives, Sam's worldview is undergoing a transformation.
Donaldson's direction, coupled with Wilson Cameron's nature-centric cinematography, captures the lushness of the Catskills, creating a visual metaphor for the richness of Sam's internal journey. The forest preserve, established in 1885, stands as a testament to preservation – both of nature and of innocence – as Sam navigates the threshold between adolescence and adulthood.
"Good One" offers a poignant commentary on the ways women learn to navigate a world often dominated by male perspectives. It challenges viewers, particularly fathers, to reflect on their own behaviors and the unintended lessons they might be imparting to the young women in their lives.
As the film concludes, we're left to ponder the vast sisterhood of women who have learned to see beyond the surface of male behavior. Like the Catskills' watershed that provides for millions, Sam's experiences feed into a larger narrative of female resilience and insight. "Good One" stands as a testament to the power of observation and the complex journey of self-discovery, set against the timeless backdrop of nature's grandeur.