DANCES WITH FILMS NEW YORK 2026 REVIEW! Co-writer/director Nick von Gremp’s Good Not Great is a rambunctious dark comedy about a narcissistic relationship that translates as if Terry Gilliam directed an A24 movie. Co-writer Matt Pavich stars as Matt is our resident angry-manic version of Adam Sandler. A nice guy who finished last and so got heavy into narcotic therapy following a bitter split with his wife. He’s frazzled, razzed, and dazzled since Lisa (Lena Drake) walked out on him for another guy.
Now Matt sadly saunters through sobriety, which allows him to sample every cold mouthful of regret without the safety net of illegal stimulants. Showing up for his regularly scheduled therapist appointment. Matt is further thrown into disparity, finding his regular case-worker has moved up in the world, leaving his new therapist (Johnny Zito), and a who-gives-a-s**t-about-Matt’s-problems list of concerns for his new assessor to endure.
“Now Matt sadly saunters through sobriety, which allows him to sample every cold mouthful of regret without the safety net of illegal stimulants.”
Because of being mentally crippled by his ex-wife manipulating him into an open relationship in which they love each other, but allow themselves the opportunity to experience sexual forays with strangers. The couple laid down rules. No ex’s, no work colleagues, and above all, no emotional attachment. Just sex. But sex is easy. Love is hard. And what would Tom Hanks do if he were Matt, soon face to face with the hubris and the naivety that led him to think that you can share the person you love with other people, and not pay the price? Rules are only as strong as the individuals who enforce them, and forbidden fruit is a temptation that knows no bounds.
Good Not Great is a masterfully styled short dark comedy. Pavich, who channels a little of Dustin Hoffman’s Lenny combined with the Sandman in Punch Drunk Love, gives an explosive central performance. This is a satisfyingly zippy picture, with visual flourishes that complement the characters and enhance the drama. It is handled so well that names like Danny Boyle and the Safdie Brothers immediately spring to mind. This is simply great, not just good.
"…a rambunctious dark comedy..."
