NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL 2025 REVIEW! One Stupid Thing is a coming-of-age drama set during winter on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, directed by acclaimed producer and director Linda Yellen. Screenwriters Yellen and Michael Leeds present a layered psychological story and murder mystery that tests the bonds of three friends — Sophia (Shelby Simmons), Trevor (Jack Wright), and Jamie (Corey Fogelmanis) — who are entering adulthood and seeking success while a secret mired in guilt and shame haunts their lives.
At a fateful New Year’s Eve party, the trio has reunited, only their usual fun and games turn south and become a blight on their life as their playful banter of throwing eggs down at cars appears to have caused a terrible accident. Unable to face each other, a decision to not “do the right thing” changes each one of them and their friendship. However, the anger and sadness of the situation finally lead them down a path of rediscovery, revealing a mystery they were unaware of and providing an ending to their trauma, along with a welcome reset for their friendship and pursuits.
The film is based on a book of the same name. The island, as a metaphor for being cut off and enclosed with no outlet, provides a catalyst for eventual change, which does occur, but not as dramatically as it may sound. Although the acting is not deep, it is well executed, and the story moves along because the characters are young, smart, and full of potential and respect. Think of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. The adults are a bit vacant as they are not the best role models in their privileged lives, and they are the root problem of One Stupid Thing giving off a bit of a soap opera feel.
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“Their playful banter of throwing eggs down at cars appears to have caused a terrible accident.”
Wealth, intelligence, extended families, and multiple marriages and homes are all part of and connected throughout. Yet, the above-average life is swept aside when there is a secret and a silly game leading to a massive and terrible situation that might have more going on than what meets the eye. When a new friend, Violet (Sky Katz), enters the picture, bringing a sense of coolness and ease to the group, she helps everyone move forward toward stability in solving problems and facing reality.
Investigative and open-minded, these young achievers learn valuable life lessons while navigating a world of haves and have-nots and social pressures. Yellen’s choices to tell this story challenge societal norms with an ethnic nod, same-gender parents, openly gay young adults, and the classic friends sleeping together as a bad idea is refreshing. Even though it’s a world of acceptance and a well-crafted reality, kids are kids and adults are adults, regardless of their orientation or being, which Yellen seamlessly portrays to tell this story.
One Stupid Thing feels a bit forced on the beaches of Nantucket and may lack a little authenticity, but the film makes you appreciate good friends, breaching whales, and Winnie the Pooh.
One Stupid Thing screened at the 2025 LA Femme International Film Festival and the 2025 Newport Beach Film Festival.
"…makes you appreciate good friends, breaching whales, and Winnie the Pooh."
