Good Time is a fast-paced cerebral experience that centers on the dynamic of a codependent sibling relationship, but not in the way you think. The pair resides in New York City, where Connie (Robert Pattinson), con-man and known scrambler, employs his mentally handicapped brother Nick to carry out an armed robbery. 

With the police on their heels, both split off in different directions and Nick (Benny Safdie), quickly gets caught. The rest of the movie unfolds from Connie’s point of view as he attempts to rescue his brother from arraignment. 

As the movie progresses, Connie’s untruths begin to mount, starting with his asking for bail money and ending in his poisoning a security guard. In possibly the worst instance, he seduces a minor in an attempt to get her eyes off his mugshot. 

The director appears to have an interest in the subject of naturalism, or exploring the absolute fringes of society and comparing them to the whole. Connie and Nick, for example, are products of their upbringing, having been raised by their vengeful and neglecting grandmother. 

From a stylistic standpoint, viewers are drawn to the brilliance of color. Back lighting around Connie consists of moody reds and pulsing greens, whereas anytime another character’s face is prominent on screen, they are shrouded in blue. Nick also happened to be wearing a bright, sky-blue shirt when he was taken into the jail for processing. The blue shirt in a sea of prisoners wearing grays and dark colors indicates a striking unbalance in morality. 

Additionally, most of the film’s shots are sequences of tight shots, sometimes featuring no sound. This serves to highlight the fact that Nick is secluded from other influences of the tangible world. 

From the very start of the movie, we believe that Connie is empowered to help his brother. He appears to make decisions often on Nick’s behalf and influence Nick’s behavior. We assume from the outset that because Nick is mentally unsound, he cannot fend for himself and thus we support Connie’s decisions. But as the movie progresses, it becomes clear that Nick needs protection from the corrupting influence of his brother. 

Good Time explores themes such as the exploitation of family ties, the stigmatization of mental illness, and where fast living usually ends up. The track list involves strange, electronic sounds and synthesizer reminiscent of the soundtrack from another popular movie Uncut Gems. For viewers looking for new releases with an eclectic directing style and an ethereal feel, Good Time boasts the perfect balance.