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Spoilers ahead for the plot ofGood One.
They hike, chitchat, play card games, and pitch tents with the ease of experienced campers.
Shortly after Matt recounts his marriages disintegration, Chris turns in.
Sams smile fades, and a sense of dread takes over.
A long pause follows, enough time for Matt to reconsider his uncomfortable proposition.
Its a stomach-dropping scene, which is exactly what Collias experienced while shooting it.
First-time filmmaker India Donaldson, who wrote and directedGood One, designed the movie with this moment in mind.
The question was where to place it.
Or when he referenced Sams sexuality, insinuating that being a lesbian means she can ward off male attention.
Still, Donaldson wasnt interested in framing Matt as a villain.
In her mind, his overture to Sam is not premeditated.
Its far knottier, the ramblings of a lost soul desperate for connection.
Sams immense ability to listen to really listen also makes her vulnerable in this moment, Donaldson says.
Matt feels held by her and taken care of, something that is not her responsibility.
In that moment, he is confusing feelings of closeness, warmth, and intimacy with desire or attraction.
Its an instinctual moment of self-sabotage.
When she does, his response further punctures Sams peace of mind.
Come on, can we just have a nice day?
he asks, construing Matts come-on as a lack of preparation for the mountainous climate.
Donaldson describes her as obedient daughter, therapist, mother, and object of desire all at once.
She has a sense of humor, and theres almost a poetry to it, Donaldson says.
Ill give you some weight to carry.
In fact, she may already be more of an adult than the adults shes spending time with.
The rocks restore the subtle sense of humor present inGood Ones opening moments.
They also allow for a grace note when the trio begin their drive back to New York City.
(Collias kept it as a souvenir.)
He seems to be saying,I heard you, and we will talk about this at home.
Hes accepted the punishment of his heavy backpack, and hes countering it with a peace offering.
