The movie, Good Time, follows a chaotic duo of brothers as they become involved with the law. The story raises the question of whether the bond between these brothers is rooted in love or control. Connie, a troubled man with repeated run-ins with the law, now finds his brother suffering the consequences of his actions. His brother, Nick, is developmentally disabled and relies on his brother, Connie, to be his caretaker. 

The story reveals Nick as a perpetual victim of Connie’s scheming and manipulation. Their brotherly bond, shaped by shared traumatic experiences of Connie’s making, sets the stage for Connie to convince Nick that his actions are always justified.

Connie’s narcissism is often disguised as helpful actions. His behavior is frequently excused as being in service to Nick. However, these behaviours often put Nick in danger or prey on Nick’s inability to understand the gravity of these decisions.

Throughout the story, narcissistic manipulation is used as a tool in Connie’s plots. Whether it’s his brother, a bus driver, a family from the hospital, or even a girl he just met, Connie has a way of exploiting guilt and good-heartedness for his own personal gain. Despite his flaws, he offers both humor and occasional empathy, making him a multi-faceted character. At times, the film tempts you to root for Connie, only to remind you that he is, in the end, the story’s antagonist.

The movie is chaotic and fast-paced, creating an anxiety-inducing experience throughout the film. The closing scene carries a breath of relief, though sorrow still lingers alongside it. Although mental health is not the main focus of this story, it is hard to deny that the theme is woven throughout. Anyone who has had experience with narcissistic individuals can likely relate.

Click the following link to watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upsR80YmwWc&ab_channel=A24 

Feature Image: Photo by Suraj Tomer on Unsplash