'Good Bad Things' is a compelling narrative which brings to the fore the existential battle we all reckon with: the intrinsic need for validation and love simultaneously conflicted by the fear of rejection. Authored by life-long buddies Shane D. Stanger (who also took the helm) and Danny Kurtzman (who brings to life a character called Danny), the narrative is, in part, shaped by Kurtzman’s personal encounters as an individual wrestling with muscular dystrophy.
The protagonist Danny helms a small-scale advertising venture with his chum and live-in mate Jason (portrayed convincingly by Brett Dier, who brings to life a real yet complex friendship). The duo, finding themselves cash-strapped, are proposing to pitch their dating app Rubi to potential investors. Their hope is to bag a funding deal that could alter their course completely. Danny, despite his condition, is surrounded by a loving community that moves mountains (or stairs, quite literally) to ensure his comfort. However, they're oblivious to Danny’s inability to tolerate more than a couple beers or his subtle envy of their romantic relationships – a grim reminder of his probable lifetime residency in the “friend zone”.
Intent on exploring Rubi “for research” but harbouring a hidden hope of finding a life partner, Danny dives into the online dating world. His interactions with Madi (captured heartwarmingly by Jessica Parker Kennedy), a compassionate photographer, underscores the classic romance saga, accentuated by his disability. Madi convinces Danny to overcome his inhibitions, leading to a candid photo session under the influence of magic mushrooms.
Stanger and Kurtzman take an incisive artistic decision by assigning the character Madi the role of a photographer, facilitating her to visually reveal overlooked aspects of Danny’s personality. Through her lens, Danny is not just "different", he is beautiful; she navigates beyond his physical bounds to see him as a man – not an everlasting friend-zoned companion. Danny’s spiritual growth is evident as he starts seeing himself through Madi's perspective, manifesting in his shift from habitual black attire to vibrant green - symbolic of life's renewal.
However, the film's screenplay fails to support the promising performances in some facets. Danny and Madi's dialogues scarcely offer substantial insights into their budding affection. Nevertheless, the story conquers this pitfall when Danny's personal transformation is seamlessly linked to his engagement with Rubi. The standout scene remains when a distressed Danny surrenders to his deepest fears, seeking solace in his father’s comfort. His stark admission, “Things need to change for things to get better, and that’s so scary," compels the viewer to introspect. While the question remains hard to answer, one thing is clear: 'Good Bad Things' is an uplifting tale worth watching.
