Directed by Rachel Annette Helson and written by Jesse Harris, a small-time con artist rips off elderly dementia patients by pretending to be their daughter – until the con catches up with her. Starring: Samantha Sloyan, Sean Ramey, Kim Winter Mako, Rich Williams, Jordyn River and Artrial Clark.

Firstly, Jesse Harris had a great concept with Good Daughter, it’s quickly reminiscent of a grounded, non-glammed up version of Rosamund Pike in I Care a Lot. Especially in that it has a lot of potential but doesn’t require an overly complex plot. However, the balance that it’s striking doesn’t always find a good equilibrium. There’s a split between the deception and con, and the sad, struggling reality of Rebecca’s (Samantha Sloyan) life, and it can feel like it leans too much towards that grounded tone. It does make sense in the larger arc of the story but it could have been a boost to its energy to keep pushing a devious edge.

That’s something which equally can apply to Rachel Annette Helson’s direction, it’s solid work and is supported by some strong editing work (also from Helson). There’s a great use of split screen which adds a nice lift to the pacing and atmosphere. Though the progression and energy can feel a touch slow at times, the intention is there but it occasionally lingers longer than it needs to and misses out on the opportunity to vamp up that energy further. It does a wonderful job hitting that big feel of realism, but it could have pushed the variety to its tone, reflecting that lovely initial switch-up by playing with that hustler, tricky side of the story.

One of the elements which does come closest to creating that balance is Samantha Sloyan’s performance. She moves really well within the different layers to Rebecca, bringing a frantic energy with everything resting on a leaning tower, waiting for it to topple over. As well as how she moves in and out of the casual air, portraying a reckless side to her while gradually revealing the sorrowful history behind these questionable choices. Sloyan also gets bonus points for never making Rebecca unlikable, which is not an easy thing to achieve with a character who’s ripping off dementia patients.

Good Daughter has a fantastic foundation, strong direction and editing but it’s missing that perfect pacing and extra energy to fulfil its potential. It’s led by an entertaining yet surprisingly touching performance from Samantha Sloyan. There’s a good style, a nice shifting tone throughout and it’s at its strongest when it’s being playful with how it uses time and split screens.

Verdict: ✯✯✯½ | 7/10

Screened as part of HollyShorts Film Festival 2023