Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Poignant Pugh redemption drama has drug abuse, teen sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A Good Person
What's the Story?
Allison (Florence Pugh) is A GOOD PERSON, and her life seems on track for all of her dreams to come true. But then she's involved in a tragic accident that leaves two people dead. A year later, she's addicted to painkillers, and her life -- as well as that of teenager Ryan (Celeste O'Connor), who was also connected to the accident -- is in shambles. When the last person Allison would ever expect it from (Morgan Freeman) offers her help, she starts to learn that the only way out is through.
Is It Any Good?
Through his two phenomenal leads, writer-director Zach Braff skillfully displays the complexity of the human condition and the messiness of substance dependence. It's impossible to imagine anyone besides Pugh and Freeman playing the two battered and bruised souls whose fates are intertwined in A Good Person. Both are responsible for unforgivable actions, and, in real life, some might be inclined to judge them harshly. Yet through the actors' ability to deliver both humor and pathos, we're able to see the importance of forgiveness -- and that people are so much more than even their most grievous mistakes.
There's not a false note in Braff's screenplay. He has created characters who should avoid running into each other at the grocery store, much less be in each other's homes -- and yet each can't escape the emotional prison they've constructed around themselves without the other. The film argues that those who struggle with drug or alcohol dependency shouldn't be dismissed as junkies or drunks, but rather given a hand when they're ready to move forward. And that anyone who puts in the work and takes responsibility for their actions should get a second chance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how A Good Person portrays drug use and addiction and alcohol use. Does the movie warn viewers against doing drugs and drinking, or is it made to look appealing in any way? What are the consequences? Are they realistic?
What's the relationship like between Allison and her mother, Diane? Is Diane helping or hurting her daughter -- and what do you think she should do to help, given their circumstances?
Why is compassion an important life skill? How does it play out here when the characters are forcing themselves to act with compassion against their natural inclination? Can you think of other examples when it's beneficial -- or not beneficial -- to treat someone with compassion when you don't think they deserve it?
Why is forgiveness important for the person doing the forgiving? How do you think Allie's life would be different if she could forgive herself?
What are coping skills? What should you do if you're overwhelmed with difficult feelings?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 24, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : April 11, 2023
- Cast : Florence Pugh , Morgan Freeman , Celeste O'Connor
- Director : Zach Braff
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Non-Binary Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : MGM
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- Run time : 129 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : drug abuse, language throughout and some sexual references
- Last updated : April 17, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate