A Good Person

2 out of 5 stars

Over the years, films on grief and addiction have become a genre within themselves. The challenge for writer/director Zach Braff is to differentiate his story of trauma, loss, and dependence on opioids from the plethora of films that have come before it. Since he got the actress du jour Florence Pugh (Don’t Worry Darling) and legend Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby), he has the talent to make this a hit.

The story opens with Allison (Pugh) celebrating her engagement to Nathan (Chinaza Uche) as they look ahead to their future together. After the celebration, the future bride decides to take her prospective sister-in-law and brother-in-law wedding dress shopping. As they looked forward to the time together travelling down the highway, a construction vehicle backed out onto the road. Within moments lives are changed, and Allison must come to terms with being hospitalised, the deaths of her loved ones and what this means to her engagement to Nathan. The ripple effects of this accident course through both families, and Nathan’s father, Daniel (Freeman) must determine how to suddenly raise his granddaughter, Ryan (Celeste O'Connor). While Allison’s mother, Diane (Molly Shannon) has to help her daughter to recover from the accident, dealing with the guilt associated with this unnecessary loss of life and the young woman’s subsequent opioid addiction.

Trailer contains mature content

At the heart of the story is a stunning performance from Florence Pugh, who captures her character's humanity and tragic nature. Her performance shows the actress’ commitment to the craft and a willingness to delve deep into this desperate side of substance abuse. Along with Pugh’s work, Morgan Freeman proves that he can still deliver at this season in his career. He has been given a nuanced role that cuts the line between being a man who is sympathetic towards this young woman and one who is wrestling with the past. The two central performances are complemented by the support of Celeste O’Connor and Molly Shanoon as their prospective family members. Yet, despite these solid cinematic portrayals, the screenplay fails to offer the support needed to make this story convincing or emotionally satisfying.

A Good Person does have good intentions as it attempts to lean into many of society's contemporary issues while addressing people’s struggles in life. This is where Braff’s writing falls in on itself as he attempts to take on so many topics, the message gets lost in the details along the way. Initially, the model train analogy takes on profound elements then it becomes unclear if this is meant to be a narrative addressing grief, addiction, generational angst, or improper mobile phone usage. As the story progresses, the solutions to these subjects either get left unanswered or have less-than-satisfactory resolutions. Ultimately, there is little that the lead actress can do to salvage what they have been given; even though the opening is compelling, the rest of the journey becomes muddled and confusing along the way.

Reel Dialogue: Addiction & the Bible

One element of the film that stands out is the importance of community for the sake of addiction recovery. Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous do look to God as a means of help; some may wonder if Jesus and drug addiction can coexist. Overcomers Outreach does brilliant work of helping people through this recovery process.

Remember that when considering the Bible on the subject of addiction, it is addressed in the rawest form. Specifically, some verses speak to a person’s compulsive need for something. 1 Corinthians 10: 13 touches on this subject, but if you need help in this area, please click the Overcomers Outreach link to get the assistance you need.

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13

This Bible passage helps to begin the journey into the intersection of the Bible and addiction. In this letter written by the Apostle Paul, he teaches that God never gives you more than you can handle. He also provides a solution or “a way out” of any situation. Regardless of your situation, God has an out when you are tempted to sin. Our team at Reel Dialogue encourages specific addiction treatment. Still, this verse is an excellent place to start when seeking God’s solutions to your struggles.

Contact Overcomers Outreach today if you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction.

Overcomers Outreach