The best thing about being a film critic is discovering films that evoke unexpected emotions. These films stay with you and stay with you weeks or months after you have seen them. When a film like this comes from a great new talent, it is probably comparable to the adrenaline rush an Olympic athlete gets when they win a gold medal. That is exactly the feeling I had when I saw Goodsa coming-of-age drama from writer and director India Donaldson, with an exquisite performance by Lily Collias.

There are many reasons Goods is such an enriching experience, but the moment that confirms it might be the most shocking and remarkable scene of the year.

What is special about this scene in Goods is its subtlety.

Often times, the most dramatic or amazing sequences of the year focus on extremes, like a truly epic slow-motion walk from a massive explosion, a major plot twist and/or dramatic reveal, or the completely insane and disgustingly hysterical scene from 2022. Triangle of sadness. Usually there is loud music and quick cuts, using every trick in the film to make it clear how remarkable what you are watching is. But the decisive moment in India Donaldson’s Goods comes so suddenly and naturally – there is no blaring score or build-up to the moment – ​​that it feels refreshingly real. And devastating.

Some context: Goods follows 17-year-old Sam (Lilly Collias) as she goes on a camping trip with her father Chris (James Le Gros) and his friend Matt (Danny McCarthy). Matt’s son was supposed to accompany them on the trip, but canceled at the last minute, leaving Sam feeling isolated from the trip.

(Warning: Spoilers for Goods in advance!)

Towards the end of the trip, Sam (Lily Collias) sits around a campfire with her father and Matt late one night. They start talking about their frustrations, particularly their relationships with their ex-wives and Matt’s strained relationship with his own son. Sam just takes it all in, while Chris and Matt openly say things in front of her that they probably shouldn’t. Her eyes are wide with surprise and discomfort, but Sam listens intently and responds with valuable advice that impresses Matt. “You’re too young to be so wise,” he tells her.

Review of “Good One”: An explosive new indie film about a camping trip gone wrong

It’s a beautiful moment between Sam, Chris and Matt, a deep conversation that happens when there are no distractions – these are the moments people go camping for, to escape the world and clear their minds. Chris eventually becomes exhausted and Sam and Matt are left alone by the fire.

The camera alternates off-center close-ups of Sam and Matt, and Matt praises Sam’s intelligence. These are the kinds of words you’d like to hear in your youth: an affirmation that your own wisdom and perspective on the world are invaluable in finding your place in the world. Matt then starts talking about the moon, after which there is a long silence. The camera closes in on Sam, who seems to be getting uneasy about the situation, and she mentions that she’s going to put out the fire and go to bed. Jokingly remembering that Matt didn’t bring a sleeping bag, she says she can leave the fire if he wants to sleep next to it, as it’s probably warmer there than in his tent.

Without hesitation, Matt replies with a big grin, “Unless you come and keep me warm.”

There are moments in coming-of-age films that change the protagonist’s worldview. childhoodMason’s mother openly reveals how frustrating and disappointing her life was. In Eighth gradeKayla has a terribly awkward date with an older boy who bullies her. These are the kinds of scenes that put everything in perspective and confront younger people with the cruelties of the world that they may have heard about but have not experienced. That is exactly what happens to Sam in Goods with this single, shocking line.

There is no doubt that Matt has made a move on his best friend’s 17-year-old daughter. The next shot is haunting, we see Sam looking visibly distraught, partially obscured by Matt’s shadow. Matt reads her expression and tries to refocus, “It’s not fair that your father is getting the extra body heat,” to take the edge off. But it’s too late. Sam’s eyes flicker, heavy with disappointment as she feels almost paralyzed with shock. Finally, she composes herself and leaves, leaving Matt sitting and contemplating the irrevocable decision he has made.

It works because there’s so much insight and lived experience fueling the moment: It only takes one remark to change someone’s view of you and the world forever. Once you say something, you can’t take it back. The moment is astonishing in how natural and grounded it feels. The sentence is delivered so quietly that you’d almost think you didn’t hear exactly what Matt said, but Sam’s reaction tells you everything you’ll ever need to know about her feelings.

The magic of movies can often come when we least expect it. Sometimes it is a joyful moment. In Goodsit’s heartbreaking. And it takes an exceptionally talented cast and crew to create such a transcendent moment.

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