There are few film companies right now that carry the brand recognition and respect of A24. The distributors are seen as cinephile tastemakers, which means their backing of Josh and Benny Safdie‘s “Good Time” starring Robert Pattinson lends the picture an extra bit of anticipation, and even the film’s lead actor is well aware of the value of A24’s reputation.
“They’re definitely the place to be now,” he told GQ. “I mean, I have no idea what they’re doing, really. They’re just on it. They have a very good understanding of the zeitgeist. You get a movie with them and it represents something. Everybody was talking a few years ago how cinema had died. And I think A24 and companies like that are—you know, people want to go to the cinema. People want to see movies. And I think they’re creating a kind of renaissance in filmmaking. They’re making people want to go to the cinema again to see this kind of stuff, rather than staying at home. People had thought that entire part of the industry had just died. And you can really see over the past few years, it really, really hasn’t at all. And I think it is down to companies like A24.”
That’s high praise, and here’s hoping the picture, which also stars Barkhad Abdi and Jennifer Jason Leigh, really delivers on its exciting premise. Here’s the official synopsis:
Following the mind-bending HEAVEN KNOWS WHAT, celebrated filmmakers Josh and Benny Safdie return to the mean streets of New York City with GOOD TIME, a hypnotic crime thriller that explores with bracing immediacy the tragic sway of family and fate.
After a botched bank robbery lands his younger brother in prison, Constantine “Connie” Nikas (Robert Pattinson) embarks on a twisted odyssey through the city’s underworld in an increasingly desperate — and dangerous — attempt to get his brother Nick (Benny Safdie) out of jail. Over the course of one adrenalized night, Connie finds himself racing against the clock to save his brother and himself, knowing both their lives hang in the balance.
Anchored by a career-defining performance from Robert Pattinson, GOOD TIME is a psychotic symphony of propulsive intensity crafted by two of the most exciting young directors working today. Josh and Benny Safdie’s transcendent vision is an intoxicating portrait of desperation and destruction that will not be soon forgotten.
“Good Time” debuts at Cannes, and opens on August 18th.
