Movies: In a Good Way (2023) by Zachary Gutierrez and Joshua LaBure: The High Cost of Love
- dailyentertainment95
- Sep 21
- 4 min read
A Poignant Look at a Second Chance In a Good Way is an intimate, low-budget indie drama that explores the complexities of a rekindled relationship. Directors Zachary Gutierrez and Joshua LaBure, with a budget of just $10,000, crafted a story about a long-estranged couple, Margot and David, who meet up in Omaha to see if they can rebuild what they lost. The film's strength lies in its raw, emotional performances and naturalistic feel, which provides a powerful exploration of love and loss.
Why to Watch This Movie: A True Independent Gem
Remarkable Chemistry and Acting: The film's most notable success factor is the chemistry between its two lead actors, Audrey Kovár and Ryan Balas. Their performances are described as "raw" and "emotionally charged," bringing a powerful and thought-provoking dynamic to the screen. Kovár even won an Outstanding Acting Award at the Kansas City Underground Film Festival for her role.
Proof of Concept for Indie Filmmaking: With a meager budget, the film demonstrates what is possible when great acting and a poignant script are prioritized over special effects and grand set pieces. It’s a testament to the power of pure storytelling.
A Relatable and Emotional Story: The film’s narrative—a second chance at love—is a universally relatable theme. It doesn't shy away from the awkwardness and pain of a broken relationship while also showing the beauty and hope of a potential reconciliation.
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/in-a-good-way (US), https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/in-a-good-way (Australia), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/in-a-good-way (UK)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27505702/
About movie: https://www.thebalasbrothers.com/films
What Movie Trend film is following? Mumblecore's Poetic Successor
In a Good Way is a prime example of the "micro-budget drama" trend, often seen as a spiritual successor to the indie film movement known as "mumblecore." These films are characterized by their extremely low budgets, focus on naturalistic dialogue and performances, and deep exploration of interpersonal relationships. Like mumblecore films, In a Good Way uses its financial constraints as a creative advantage, relying on authentic acting and character-driven narratives rather than high production value. The movie's stripped-down, honest approach to a complex relationship is a hallmark of this genre.
Director's Vision: Intimacy and Realism
Honest and Blunt Storytelling: Directors Gutierrez and LaBure's vision was to create a "bare-bones" and "honestly blunt" film. They utilize an intimate visual narrative, often set against the autumnal backdrop of Omaha, to heighten the emotional rawness of the story.
Focus on Performance: The directors heavily rely on their actors to carry the film. By giving Audrey Kovár and Ryan Balas space to deliver raw and authentic performances, they create a viewing experience that feels both "joyful and uncomfortable by turns."
A Poignant Visual Narrative: The film's setting in Omaha during autumn adds a layer of visual poetry, reflecting the theme of change and a potential new beginning for the characters.
Themes: Love, Loss, and a Second Chance
The Depth of Love and Loss: The film explores the idea that love, even after it fades, can leave a lasting imprint. It delves into the pain of a broken marriage and the challenges of forgiving past hurts.
Second Chances: A central theme is whether two people can truly overcome their past to create a new future. The film asks if new versions of ourselves can make a relationship work where our old selves could not.
The Uncomfortable Honesty of Relationships: The movie embraces the awkwardness and emotional complexity of a broken relationship, portraying a story that is both painful and relatable.
Key Success Factors: A Powerful and Authentic Story
Authentic Acting and Chemistry: As mentioned, the exceptional performances of Audrey Kovár and Ryan Balas are the film's greatest strength. Their on-screen chemistry makes the story believable and emotionally compelling.
Low-Budget Efficiency: The filmmakers successfully turned a minimal budget into a strength, proving that compelling drama doesn't require high production costs.
A Thought-Provoking Script: The screenplay is praised for being "poignant and effective," creating a story that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant.
Awards and Nominations: A Niche Acclaim
In a Good Way has received 1 win at a film festival. Audrey Kovár won the Outstanding Acting Award at the 2023 Kansas City Underground Film Festival, a testament to her remarkable performance.
Critics Reception: A Surprise Treat
Popcornsteve: The sole user review on IMDb calls the film a "surprise treat" and praises its "great storytelling." The reviewer was impressed by what the filmmakers accomplished with a small budget and highlighted the "best chemistry" they had seen in a long time between the two lead actors.
Overall Summary: There is only one available user review, but it is overwhelmingly positive. The reviewer found the film to be an emotionally charged and well-acted independent effort, praising its raw and honest approach to a difficult subject.
Reviews: A Glimmer of Hope
User Review (Popcornsteve): This review highlights the film's ability to be both "joyful and uncomfortable by turns," capturing the real complexities of a relationship. The reviewer's positive feedback on the chemistry and script suggests that despite its small scale, the film delivers a powerful emotional punch.
What Big Social Trend is following? The Modern Search for Connection
The film reflects a contemporary social trend of examining the complexities of modern relationships. In a world where long-term commitments are increasingly challenging, the movie taps into the universal desire for a second chance. It speaks to the challenges that many couples face when trying to reconnect after a period of separation and the difficult questions they must confront about whether their love is worth fighting for.
Final Verdict: A Poignant and Intimate Success
In a Good Way is a masterful example of a micro-budget film that succeeds through pure emotional honesty and strong performances. It’s a quiet and introspective drama that proves that a powerful story doesn't need a large budget to resonate with an audience. Audrey Kovár and Ryan Balas carry the film with their impeccable chemistry, making the viewing experience both painful and deeply moving. While it may not be for those seeking a fast-paced narrative, it is a rewarding watch for anyone who appreciates character-driven storytelling and the raw, unfiltered truth of human relationships. The film is a clear success for its artistic vision and its ability to turn a simple premise into a poignant and memorable cinematic experience.
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