WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
The essence of what it is to be human–the nature of our behavior, the myriad of qualities which define us, and the faith that so often carries us through. Yet, while the much sought after stability and dynamics of living day to day in our skin is an ever unfolding process, what might occur if that equilibrium is overtly shaken to its core? Take as an example one individual named Goodman (Benjamin Harter-Murphy), whose having to make a choice this particular evening to run an urgent errand, parting ways for the time with his beloved Faith (Rose Collins), despite her initial protestations.
Yet, as Goodman goes about his way and nighttime falls, his wandering down a back alley leads him to encounter the calmly, yet ominous and suavely menacing Luci (Chip White), who has apparent plans for Goodman and all others whom he has chosen to ensnare. With the hesitations and doubts rising in Goodman’s own heart about joining with this enigmatic figure, he begins to realize it might be a mistake to give into the tempting words Luci speaks, even with their dark “truths” and even darker intentions. Yet, as Goodman learns about so many he’s looked up to in his life are falling to Luci’s machinations, every belief he has is suddenly in question.
Next, my Mind:
Taking the classic 1835 Nathaniel Hawthorne short story “Young Goodman Brown” and transporting it into our modern world, writer/director/producer/editor Andrew Huggins’ 9-minute film certainly doesn’t lack in making the original’s rather somber tale come forth with impactful purpose through its deeply sobering, provocative themes about the loss of faith, the integrity of those we’ve always valued as “perfect” being swiftly shattered, the inherent evil in man’s overall nature, and the constant battle we face to try and overcome it while holding on to what we strive for most via trust in God and those whom we love and cherish. Yet, it’s this exact portrait being painted about how one man’s journey from having morality, purity, and honor to becoming filled with nothing but uncertainty as he witnesses so many of his righteous friends be drawn away into sin, that grants this tale it’s hard but scarily accurate message. The seeking of light amidst this chaos, a place of refuge from a harsh reality is very prevalent here too, lending at least some semblance of hope.
Harter-Murphy does fine work here in his role as Goodman, a simple, uncomplicated man whom we can tell has been accustomed to living a life of moral fortitude and upright decision-making. But, in the abrupt realizations about himself Goodman is confronted with, even more so about others around him whom he’d always turned to as beacons of dignity and principals, the temptations to fight against the foreboding “certainties” Luci describes very much rise up within him. Yet, the total foundations of all his convictions crumbles, and becomes a desperate quest to find some form of peace amongst iniquity. All of this is well portrayed by Harter-Murphy throughout. White as Luci is a wonderfully understated yet highly effective and potent illustration of the ultimate tempter, whose sole desire is to do exactly what he’s engaging in by trying to show how the ethical, noble character of man is severely flawed and in the end, completely and utterly depraved. Utilizing schemes and manipulative words to usher the blameless away, White’s performance so deftly captures the wolf in sheep’s clothing.
A solid supporting turn is given here by Collins as Goodman’s angelic yet somewhat tragic love Faith, whose call for him to remain pure and stay in belief adds a poignant touch to the tale, even in view of what is sure to become a potentially embittered, cynical state of being for Goodman given the experience he’s weathered. Other appearances here include Catherine Trail as Mrs. Cloyse, a once true bastion of purity and doctrine whose “poisoning” by Luci strikes Goodman very hard, Zach Ball as one of Luci’s servants, and Kimberly Hester Huffstetler as one of the newly converted followers. With it’s edgy execution and skeptical atmosphere as a whole, it would be easy to dismiss “Goodman” as unnecessarily pessimistic. However, at least for this reviewer, it really stands as more of a cautionary tale about being wary of who we put our deepest trust in, that we are indeed fallen in nature, and that only in striving for a sturdy faith in God and His truths can we find the spiritual mettle to stand firm and fight when our faith gets tested.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
