Good One

A father and daughter’s camping trip takes an unexpected turn in this terrific slow-burn drama.

Before she heads to college, 17-year-old Sam embarks on a bonding camping trip to the Catskills with her father Chris and his oldest friend Matt. When Matt’s son refuses to accompany him on the morning of the trip, Sam finds herself dealing with the two oblivious and exasperating dads alone. As a result, her perspective on the lives of adults gradually starts to shift.

With shades of Kelly Reichardt, this father-daughter hiking drama is an accomplished and insightful directorial debut from India Donaldson. The film's tight script entertains with its witty insights – particularly some hilarious bickering between Chris and Matt. It also subtly explores ideas around gender and generational power dynamics, which become increasingly apparent as the trip progresses. Lily Collias delivers an impressive breakout performance as Sam, her eyes revealing so much of what’s unfolding in this perceptive teenage girl’s head and heart.