Good One

With Good One, India Donaldson brings an emotionally layered and subtle feature debut that emphasises the beautiful cinematography and what is unsaid but felt. Without judgement, Donaldson captures the dynamics between generations - an intimate coming-of-age drama and a relatable story about family, trust and forgiveness.

17-year-old Sam has a close and warm relationship with her father Chris. Chris fully accepts her as she is, but beneath the surface lurks tensions about the past. When they go backpacking with Matt, an old friend of Chris, the dynamic changes. The two men fill conversations with memories and their own sorrows, while Sam mostly listens and is allowed to participate only on their terms. When a seemingly innocent joke takes an uncomfortable turn, Sam finds she is on her own. Chris, from whom she expects support, disappoints her. This moment forces her to see her father in a new light and make an important decision about her own future.