Watch Good Time

In the 2017 crime thriller Good Time, Robert Pattinson plays the role of Connie Nikas, a young and desperate criminal who has a fiercely loyal bond with his mentally-challenged younger brother, Nick Nikas (Benny Safdie). The movie opens with the two brothers carrying out a poorly-planned bank robbery, which quickly goes awry and lands Nick in jail. Connie, unable to accept his brother’s imprisonment, starts a frantic pursuit to get him out of the facility before something terrible happens to him. As the story unfolds, we see Connie maneuvering his way through the grimy underbelly of New York City, swindling, fighting, and even seducing whoever he thinks can help his cause. The plot moves forward through a series of events that range from heartbreakingly poignant to wildly unpredictable, as Connie’s decision-making seems to oscillate between desperation and recklessness. Meanwhile, Nick is struggling to survive in the hellish environment of Rikers Island, forced to interact with extremely violent criminals and exposed to numerous dangers. Connie is determined to do whatever he can to get his brother out, even if it means seeking help from some of the most shady and dangerous characters in the city. As the film progresses, we see Connie making increasingly risky decisions, all the while leading the viewer into the character’s confused and desperate psyche. His moments of compassion for his brother—whom he clearly adores—alternate with his ruthless disregard for anyone he perceives as standing in his way. The relationship between the two brothers serves as an emotional anchor for the film, and their unbreakable bond is one of the most memorable elements of their time on screen. They share several tender moments, and despite their completely divergent personalities and lifestyles, they manage to form a cohesive team that the viewer can’t help but root for as they face their challenges together. The acting in the movie is exceptional, with Robert Pattinson delivering a career-best performance as the erratic and perpetually-on-edge Connie. He successfully pulls off a character that is both easy to dislike and easy to sympathize with, and his command over the nuances of the role is impressive. Benny Safdie, who co-directed the film with his brother Josh Safdie, also puts in a commendable performance as the vulnerable and innocent Nick. His portrayal of the character’s anguish and confusion in the face of his incarceration is heartrending, and he imbues the role with a degree of authenticity that only a few actors could achieve. Good Time is a film that is unapologetic in its depiction of crime, violence, and raw human emotion. The dark, grainy aesthetic of the film enhances the gritty mood and gives the audience a sense of being part of the grimy world that Connie inhabits. The Safdie brothers’ direction and the excellent cinematography add to the suspense and tension of the film, and the score—composed by OneOhTrix Point Never— complements the visuals perfectly, with its eclectic mix of synths and euphoric beats. Overall, Good Time is a must-watch film for anyone who loves crime thrillers or character-driven dramas. It offers a relentless, pulse-pounding experience that will leave audiences both exhausted and exhilarated. It’s a movie that stays with you long after the credits have rolled, leaving you contemplating the complexities of the human psyche and the lengths to which some people will go to protect the ones they love.