Synopsis: In “A Good Person,” Allison (Florence Pugh) is a young woman with a bright future — a wonderful fiancé, a blossoming career, and supportive family and friends. But her world crumbles in the blink of an eye when she survives an unimaginable tragedy and emerges from recovery with an opioid addiction and unresolved grief. In the following years, it is the unlikely friendship she forms with her would-be father-in-law (Morgan Freeman) that gives her a fighting chance to put herself back together and move forward with her life.
As you may have realized, life is hard. It’s unfair, unforgiving, and much of it is out of your control. And regardless of how early you figure it out, it doesn’t make it any easier nor does it make any sense. Nevertheless, you can make the best of some bad situations or somehow find the silver lining, if you have the will to do so. Beauty is everywhere but you still have to find it, love is waiting for you but you have to be open to it, and happiness is possible as long as you choose it. However, nothing is ever that simple in the grand scheme of things. Life in its essence is rather simplistic as are our basic urges and needs, however, it’s everything that encompasses it, as humanity simultaneously advances and regresses, that makes it difficult. I’d like to tell you that you’ll have more moments of joy than of sadness but I’m not clairvoyant and even if true, the difficulties and hardships can often feel as if they last a lifetime. Regardless, you have to find a way to push through, to keep moving forward for your loved ones as well as for yourself because you matter. Live and be present in the pockets of happiness and learn from the adversity, you’ll be better for it.
“It wasn’t my fault.”
What makes a good person? Is it living a mistake-free life or owning your mistakes and rectifying them? Written and directed by Zach Braff, A Good Person showcases the uncomfortable complexities of the human experience. Carried by the phenomenal Florence Pugh and Morgan Freeman who stun with emotionally charged performances, this story is sure to elicit a wide range of emotions and punch you right in the feels. From the moment the film begins, cheer and jubilation are at such a high that there’s a palpable feeling of misery and despair that you can’t help but brace yourself for. Like our reality, it’s draping itself in laughter, tickling the skin, and stalking every hug and kiss. You don’t know when it’s coming, but when it does, it’s visually underwhelming, however, mentally, it hits like a hammer. From then on we see the world through regret, grief, and addiction. It’s a journey of finding the will to continue when you feel as if you no longer deserve to live. Not to mention, those who have been in your shoes and know that life is worth living no matter how difficult and disheartening. You have to allow yourself permission to have a second chance as well.
“I’m not sure I have the will.”
The film is at its best when it is deep in dialogue and allows Pugh and Freeman to take control of each scene. While the events within the story seem somewhat over the top as tragedies and inconveniences continue to compound upon one another instead of diving deep into the original addictions, it’s the still yet slowly evolving relationships that stand out. The story has as much charm as it does tragedy, however, it never quite settles itself long enough to feel the brunt of what has taken place. The result of that is a premise that is immensely emotional but doesn’t quite give you enough time to process what is taking place beneath the surface. Nevertheless, its cinematography, and score tremendously lend themselves to the poignant statement that the film wants to relay. There are some songs sung by Florence Pugh as her character Allison that also move the heart-wrenching needle. I can positively say that the film does make you want to be a better person and not take life for granted. It’s a reminder that it can be gone in an instant. One mistake can unravel everything. Furthermore, get help if you need it and even if you don’t. There is a way out of the darkness. I think the film is worth it for the performances alone, but again, I did enjoy the dialogue. Its rewatchability is low.
Pacing & Pop
The film is decently paced, maybe even too quick in some regards as the story covers a great deal. What popped for me was the subtle moments of humor. Those moments ground the film in reality because as bad as things get, we always find a way to laugh to keep from crying. Also, many of the moments weren’t attempting to garner laughs, real moments happen to be funny sometimes.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Florence Pugh, Molly Shannon, Chinaza Uche, Celeste O’Connor, and Morgan Freeman
This film is most definitely carried by the powerful performances of Florence Pugh and Morgan Freeman. To no surprise, they were amazing. While Freeman’s character appears to be a kind yet no-nonsense elderly gentleman, as we gather information about his past, the remnants of aggression begin to linger like a thick gas that ignites his humanity. Pugh continues to show why she is one of the best. The smiles, laughter, and tears feel as authentic as they come. The chemistry between the two is warm, rigid, and organic and the more they interact, the more you’ll want to be a better person.
A Good Person is now playing in select theaters as of March 24, 2023. Remain safe and don’t use your phone and drive.
Rated: R Runtime: 2h 8m Director: Zach Braff Writer: Zach Braff Producers: Zach Braff, Pamela Koffler, Florence Pugh, Christine Vachon, Christina Piovesan, Noah Segal Executive Producer: Beverly Rogers Director of Photography: Mauro Fiore
A Good Person showcases the uncomfortable complexities of the human experience.
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
