🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Josh Safdie
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Neo-noir
- Release year: 2017
- Runtime (length): 1h 42min
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10 (146K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A guy really, really wants to help his brother, so he spends one very long, very bad night proving that he’s actually the worst person to ask for help.
🍿 Good Time: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Bank Robbery
Connie Nikas impulsively pulls his developmentally disabled brother, Nick, out of a therapy session. They proceed to rob a New York City bank, netting $65,000. Their escape is quickly complicated when a dye pack explodes in their getaway bag, causing a car accident and forcing them to flee on foot.

Nick’s Arrest and Connie’s Desperate Attempts
Following the botched robbery, Nick panics when stopped by police and is arrested. Connie manages to escape, and desperately tries to secure a bail bond for Nick. He struggles to raise the necessary funds and becomes increasingly frantic and reckless. He even tries to use his girlfriend’s mother’s credit cards, but is unsuccessful.

Mistaken Identity and the Amusement Park
Connie learns that Nick has been hospitalized after a fight in jail. He attempts to break Nick out of the hospital, but in a chaotic mix-up, he mistakenly frees another patient, Ray, who was awaiting parole. This leads them to an amusement park in search of a hidden stash of LSD, further complicating their already dire situation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Connie Nikas (Robert Pattinson): A desperate and manipulative man, Connie embarks on a chaotic odyssey through New York City to free his brother from jail after a botched bank robbery.
- Nick Nikas (Benny Safdie): Connie’s developmentally disabled brother, Nick is drawn into a bank robbery and subsequently arrested, becoming the catalyst for Connie’s desperate actions.
- Corey Ellman (Jennifer Jason Leigh): Connie’s girlfriend, Corey is manipulated into providing financial assistance, further complicating Connie’s efforts to get Nick out of jail.
- Ray (Buddy Duress): A recently paroled man mistakenly broken out of the hospital by Connie, Ray becomes an unlikely accomplice in Connie’s increasingly desperate schemes.
- Crystal (Taliah Webster): A 16-year-old girl who gets entangled in Connie’s criminal activities, becoming a temporary confidante and accomplice.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Connie Nikas: “I think something very important is happening and it’s deeply connected to my purpose.” – Connie says this to justify his actions, revealing his distorted sense of self-importance and purpose.
- Connie Nikas: “We’re gonna get you out of here, alright? I promise.” – Connie reassures Nick, highlighting his unwavering, though often misguided, devotion to his brother.
- Ray: “Are you feeling as good as I’m feeling right now?” – Ray asks this question after taking LSD.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $4.5M
- Domestic Gross: $2.0M
- Worldwide Gross: $3.3M
💥 Good Time Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, wow. This movie was intense! I felt like I was right there with Connie, running through the streets, making one bad decision after another. Robert Pattinson is amazing – I totally forgot about ‘Twilight’. The scene in the amusement park was insane, and the ending? I was left speechless. It’s not a feel-good movie, but it’s a MUST-SEE for anyone who loves a gritty, edge-of-your-seat thriller.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of crime thrillers”
- “Viewers interested in independent films”
- “Those who appreciate gritty, realistic portrayals of urban life”
- “Robert Pattinson fans”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong language”
- “Violence”
- “Drug use”
- “Disturbing situations”
Professional Reviews
- IndieWire: “A visceral, propulsive crime thriller powered by Robert Pattinson’s electrifying performance. The Safdie brothers create a claustrophobic, neon-drenched world where every decision feels like a life-or-death gamble. ‘Good Time’ is an anxiety-inducing masterpiece.
- The New York Times: “Robert Pattinson sheds his ‘Twilight’ image in this gripping neo-noir. The Safdie brothers capture the desperate energy of a city that never sleeps, crafting a tense and unpredictable narrative where every turn leads to deeper trouble.
- Rolling Stone: “Pattinson delivers a career-defining performance in this frantic, heart-pounding thriller. ‘Good Time’ is a descent into the underbelly of New York, a chaotic symphony of bad choices and desperate measures that will leave you breathless.
Audience Reactions
Pattinson’s raw and committed performance is a revelation.: Viewers praise the film’s intensity, realism, and Pattinson’s portrayal of a desperate man.
The soundtrack is a pulsating masterpiece, enhancing the film’s tension.: The film’s electronic score is widely lauded for its ability to heighten the suspense and contribute to the overall atmosphere.
Overall Consensus: ‘Good Time’ is a critically acclaimed crime thriller praised for its intense atmosphere, Robert Pattinson’s performance, and the Safdie brothers’ direction. It’s a visceral and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Awards
- Cannes Film Festival (Cannes Soundtrack Award)- 2017
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Robert Pattinson went to great lengths to remain incognito during filming, even going as far as to wear prosthetics and adopting a distinct New York accent that fooled many locals who didn’t recognize him.”
- “The Safdie brothers encouraged improvisation from the cast, giving them detailed backstories for their characters but allowing them to create their own dialogue and reactions within the scenes.”
- “The film’s distinctive visual style was achieved through the use of 35mm film and close-up shots, creating a sense of claustrophobia and intimacy that mirrors Connie’s increasingly desperate situation.”
🖥️ How to Watch Good Time?
Good Time is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability, as streaming options may vary by region. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD can be purchased from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Good Time, you might like these similar films:
- Dog Day Afternoon (1975): Shares the same gritty, realistic portrayal of a botched bank robbery and the escalating chaos that ensues.
- Uncut Gems (2019): Another Safdie brothers film with a similarly frantic pace and a protagonist driven by desperation and poor choices.
- Prisoners (2013): Explores the theme of desperation and the lengths someone will go to for family, albeit in a different, more suspenseful context.
- After Hours (1985): Shares the same neo-noir storytelling and follows a man making one bad decision after another during one increasingly chaotic night in New York City.
🛒 Good Time Related Products
- Good Time (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – Limited Edition Vinyl: Own the pulsating, anxiety-inducing score of ‘Good Time’ on limited edition vinyl. This collector’s item features Oneohtrix Point Never’s critically acclaimed music, capturing the film’s gritty atmosphere and intense energy. Perfect for audiophiles and film enthusiasts alike!
- Robert Pattinson: Anatomy of an Actor: Go behind the scenes of Good Time and more with Robert Pattinson. Discover how Robert Pattinson transforms for each role, showcasing his dedication and method acting in ‘Good Time’!
- Good Time – Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the iconic poster for the movie ‘Good Time.’ Bring a piece of movie history home and show off your fandom!
- NY Undercover: Undercover Angel – The Complete Series: A series that deals with undercover operations and life inside and outside the streets. A must see with all episodes in this box set. This is a gritty, New York-based crime drama. A great watch with any fan of ‘Good Time’ looking for similar crime stories.
🎧 Soundtrack
Good Time features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “The Pure and the Damned” – performed by Oneohtrix Point Never feat. Iggy Pop
- “Good Time” – performed by Oneohtrix Point Never
- “Intense Climax” – performed by Oneohtrix Point Never
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Good Time was primarily filmed on location in New York City, specifically in Queens and Long Island. The authentic urban environments add to the film’s gritty and realistic atmosphere.
The ending is open to interpretation, but it generally suggests that Nick may find a more stable and positive future separate from Connie. It also underscores the consequences of Connie’s destructive choices. The therapy session implies a step towards healing for Nick.
No, Good Time is not based on a true story. However, the Safdie brothers, the directors, are known for their naturalistic style and often draw inspiration from real-life situations and characters they encounter.
🔥 Bonus Content
when you stop casting your actors off the street
Ever wondered how Adam Sandler and Robert Pattinson ended up in an indie film? This video dives into the casting choices of the Safdie Brothers, a duo known for their unconventional approach. Get ready for an intriguing analysis that sheds light on the film’s production process.
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