‘Good Time’ Review: Indie Crime Thriller that draws Inspiration from Genre Classics

“Good Time” became a favorite of mine in a single watch.

The 2017 crime/thriller was directed by brothers Josh and Benny Safdie and written by Josh Safdie and Ronald Bronstein. The brothers’ Safdie are rising New York City filmmakers with a small sample of productions thus far.

“Good Time” was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or in the main competition section of the 2017 Cannes Film Festival on May 25, 2017. It would see its theatrical release in August of that year.

Taking place over the course of a single day and night, the story follows the Nikas brothers; Connie (Robert Pattinson) and Nick (Benny Safdie), the latter of which has a developmental disability. Nick is captured after the brothers rob a bank, and Connie is forced to extremes to free Nick from custody.

Phenomenal Acting

Robert Pattinson made his fame as a teen heartthrob in the “Twilight” series. Since then, he’s shown an incredible range of talent in unexpected and bizarre roles (“The Lighthouse” immediately comes to mind). Here, Pattinson sheds his clean-cut persona to play low-life Connie Nikas, and he does so effortlessly.

Sensibly bereft of exposition, the viewer can quickly determine a few things about the character. He’s had a tough upbringing. He’s more than a petty criminal. And he has no shame in using others for personal gain i.e. his much older girlfriend (Jennifer Jason Leigh in a single great scene). Connie also loves his brother Nick, reminding him early on that “It’s just you and me.” The viewer can decide for themselves if it’s brotherly love or if Connie is using Nick as well.

I was highly impressed with all the performances and was surprised to read that most were folks making their only appearances on film. Benny Safdie is stunning in the role of Nick Nikas. The movie opens with Nick being interviewed by his psychiatrist (Peter Verby). Tight closeups on Nick’s face and supreme acting from both is so realistic you’ll find yourself forgetting it’s a movie.

Supporting Cast

Taliah Lennice Webster plays Crystal, a teenager that helps Connie at a time during the night. Buddy Duress plays another criminal, Ray, who delivers an amazing performance, monologuing his backstory like Mr. Orange in “Reservoir Dogs” in a thoroughly satisfying moment that takes you out of the film but does so in a good way. I was saddened to read that Duress died of an overdose a few years after the movie came out.

Barkhad Abdi, most famous for his infamous “Captain Phillips” line “Look at me, I am the captain now” plays a security guard. Rapper Necro adds depth as a criminal associate of Ray. One of my favorite performances belongs to Eric Paykert playing a seedy bail bondsman. He’s only on screen for a minute or two but is exactly the sort of figure one would expect to be operating in the underbelly of New York City.

Traces of Classics

I mentioned “Reservoir Dogs” but saw influence from other beloved titles as well. “Fargo,” “The Long Good Friday,” and “After Hours” all came to mind, the latter of which was mentioned by the Safdie brothers as inspiration.

At 100 minutes, “Good Time” never gets dull. The streets of New York City add to the chaos that parallels the films events. The robbery sequence and escape were some of the most gripping moments you will find on film. I was getting nervous as the brothers stopped in an alley to change clothes, and Nick struggled to get his mask off. When the movie reached its ending, I wanted it to keep going.

“Good Time” found itself in My Top 100 after a single viewing. It’s a refreshing tale that reinforces the power of independent cinema. Dark and fast, it’s a flawlessly acted and beautifully shot piece that will leave you on the edge.