Good Time is essentially a cinematic render, of someone's worst day. It shares the narrative of Connie & Nick Nikas, small-time criminals that find themselves confronted by the consequences of a botched bank heist. Its storyline then comprises of a myriad of unfortunate events, short episodes that draws optimism, and more doses of unfortunate events that compounds & compounds on its characters. While these concepts aren't exactly groundbreaking, the direction of Josh & Benny Safdie, plus the performances of Roberto Pattinson & Benny Safdie, are transcendent.
Good time deserves notice, from its technical wonders alone. The Safdie brothers & Sean Prince Williams' knack for showcasing the city-night grime through superb cinematography & widescreen death stares on its characters, heightens the external & personal crises of its personas. From here, the adrenalince-inducing score, that sees a deeply entertaining infusion of EDM, absolutely intensify its impassioned & stoic moments. As for Good Time's performances, Pattinson was a revelation, shedding his typecast with a committed portrayal. He conveys emphatically the scum of Connie, yet projects unrelenting devotion for Nick as his redeeming quirk, drawing audiences to his plight. Benny Safdie was just as superb, donning the impaired Nick brilliantly, accounting for Good Time's emotional-center.
Overall, Good Time was a pleasant surprise despite the simplicity of its feebly-paced narrative. It comprises of genre-defining tenets, such as audacious screenplay that spotlights convincing immoralities under duress, plus rousing filmmaking techniques. It is remarkably acted, featuring a breakthrough performance from Pattinson, showcasing his eye-opening, artistic mettle. There is then genuine excitement, for the Safdie brother's future offerings!
