‘Good Bad Things’ Review – All Good Things In This Charming Love Story

It must be said outright there will not be a dry eye in the house when the credits roll. This warning is said not out of false sentimentality or cheesy goodness –- it is the truth. Good Bad Things is a beautiful story, though far be it to label this an outright love story. Love is at the center of all the underpinnings, but the story is much more than matters of the heart. The film weaves a poignant tapestry of discovering one’s self-worth and humanity. It is perfect in every way and one of the year’s best films.

Good Bad Things tells the story of Danny (newcomer Danny Kurtzman), an entrepreneur with muscular dystrophy who finds himself down on his luck despite having a supportive family and friends. Reeling from a recent breakup, Danny opens up to love when his design firm takes on a contract for a dating app. Upon downloading the app, he strikes a match with Madi (Jessica Parker Kennedy). His best friend and business partner, Jason (Brett Dier), encourages him to pursue Madi. Through his relationship with Madi, Danny begins a journey of self-discovery.

Framing Jason as the film’s emotional center, director/writer Shane Stanger crafts a film that works with many ideas but is grounded in the powerful bond of friendship. The bond between Jason and Danny is like brothers — powerful and affirming.

The film is beautiful. It illuminates a love story centered on a person living with a disability. Kurtzman is a powerhouse in this film, harmoniously imbuing his real-life story into this fictional one. Jason is the perfect wingman, offering humor and charm. He is the supportive best friend, championing Danny through their business endeavors, but more importantly, his love story.

Danny finds himself living in his comfort zone. Secure in the fact he has a disability, he puts up a disarming charm. Love seems implausible, but fate has a way of carving him a personal path. His use of a dating app is so real and relatable to anyone who has been on the butterfly-inducing platforms. He meticulously edits his profile to hide the fact he has a motorized wheelchair. When he matches with Madi, he finds himself stepping outside his comfort zone for the first time.

Madi challenges him, forcing him to look at himself for the first time. Her photography career serves as a jumping-off point, allowing Danny to reckon with his own acceptance and purpose. His story is as much about loving others as it is about loving oneself. She proves enigmatic, like an onion that needs to be peeled back, but proves a perfect foil for Danny.

Danny’s disability is a tenet of the story, but the film is more than a sob story. There is nothing overtly sentimental or overlayered with cliches. The film is riveting because it goes beyond a surface-level discourse into a story about discovery. Danny is discovering himself and appreciates the world around him.

Together, these two people are intricately linked. Danny agrees to allow her to photograph him and says photos become part of an exhibit. Here, this story takes on an even more profound effect. This story goes beyond the parameters of boy meet girl, but instead a grander one about seeing the beauty in one’s body.

Danny delivers a stirring monologue near the end when he and Jason make a pitch to design a dating app. After the pitch goes south, Danny speaks from the heart and relates his experience using the app and how it led him to Madi. The acting arises from the script, which is true, but Kurtzman is devastating with authentic power. He captivates every scene he is in, tugging on our heartstrings. Still, at this moment, he summons the experience from his disability to create a champion for us all to believe in, for us all to relate to — it is arrestingly beautiful.

There is never a fallback into gnawing cheesiness. It would be easy to paint this story as one-dimensional without any level of depth. However, the movie is too smart to fall into that trap. There is deft humor and riveting cheers when the moments call. Yet, throughout the movie, it grounds itself in the ultimate power of love. I laughed, I cried, and I cheered.  Good Bad Things is a heartfelt triumph, delivering all the good feels, but importantly, weaves a message of sincerity and hope.  

In an age where hope is in short supply, it is refreshing to have been treated to a story so rich and inspired by it. The title is Good Bad Things — but there are no bad things in or with this film. 

Good Bad Things is currently available on Digital platforms.