From “Evil Dead” and “Friday the 13th” to “The Blair Witch Project,” it is almost a guarantee that when a van full of teenagers pulls up to a campsite, something terrible is about to happen. These films tap into a long literary tradition of portraying the wilderness as the home of the unknown and the terrifying—a place outside the bounds of society, where evil can flourish.
But there is a subgenre of films that takes a different approach, seeing the forest as more than just a backdrop for fear. In these stories, the wilderness becomes a place where, free from the constraints of civilization, protagonists can encounter their truest selves.
Think of coming-of-age tales like “Moonrise Kingdom,” “Stand by Me,” or “Into the Wild.” Or violent survival stories where men (it is almost always men) are pushed to their limit by a bear (“The Edge”), hostile locals (“Deliverance”), or an even bigger bear (“The Revenant”).
“Good One,” the debut feature by India Donaldson opening at The Triplex this week, manages to be both. The film follows 17-year-old Sam (Lily Colias) on a camping trip with her dad (James LeGros) and his oldest friend (Danny McCarthy). As the trip unfolds, Sam is forced to step into the role of the adult, watching as both men reveal their moral shortcomings. “Good One” doesn’t rely on the extreme threats of its predecessors—no bears, arrows, or banjos—but it creates its own kind of emotional devastation.
These films are a reminder that whether you are running away from home or simply spending time in nature, the experience can be transformative. Just be prepared; you might not like what you find.
“Good One” plays as part of The Triplex’s Limited Engagement series from September 13 through 19.
Now Playing
“Geraldine Ferraro: Paving the Way”
As we make our way through another historic election season, we are examining the legacy of a truly trailblazing politician in “Geraldine Ferraro: Paving the Way.” Director Donna Zaccaro will join us on September 15 to discuss her documentary about her mother Geraldine Ferraro, the congresswoman, journalist, and author who was the first woman to be nominated for vice president by a major American political party.
“Between the Temples”
A mid-life coming-of-age comedy with Jason Schwartzman and Carol Kane.
As a 40-something cantor struggles with losing his voice and failing to meet the expectations of his rabbi, congregation, and not one but two Jewish mothers, his world turns upside down when his grade school music teacher re-enters his life as an adult bat mitzvah student. Powered by the winning chemistry of stars Jason Schwarzman and Carol Kane, “Between the Temples” is a character-driven comedy that explores the complexities of faith, connection, and what it means to be a mensch. Final week!
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”
The ghost with the most comes to The Triplex!
Tim Burton and company bring their wild mix of ghosts, sandworms, and shrunken heads back to the big screen in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” As the Deetzs reunite for a funeral, they turn to everyone’s favorite bio-exorcist for help when the underworld wreaks havoc on their lives.
Coming Soon
“Desperately Seeking Susan”
Director Susan Seidelman will join us for a Q&A after a screening of her classic comedy “Desperately Seeking Susan,” the madcap story of mistaken identity starring Rosana Arquette and Madonna (in her acting debut), on September 20. After the talkback, Susan will join us in the lobby for a signing of her new book “Desperately Seeking Something: A Memoir About Movies, Mothers, and Material Girls.”
“Sing Sing”
Featuring real-life graduates of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, “Sing Sing” follows a group of incarcerated men as they find new purpose while putting together an original theater piece. Starring Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo, “Sing Sing” is a raw, stirring reminder of how art can redeem us.
“Sing Sing” plays from September 20 through 26 as part of The Triplex’s Limited Engagement series.
“Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold”
A celebration of the legendary author and essayist, The Triplex is honored to have Director Griffin Dunne join us for a screening of his documentary about his late aunt, “Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold,” on September 21. Combining archival footage with an in-depth interview of Didion, Dunne paints a portrait of one of the most profound writers of the last 60 years.
After the movie, Griffin will join us for a talkback and signing of his new book “The Friday Afternoon Club,” his memoir of growing up among larger-than-life characters in Hollywood and Manhattan.
“An American Werewolf in London”
The Triplex is screening “An American Werewolf in London” with the “walking meatloaf” himself: Griffin Dunne joins us to introduce John Landis’ classic horror-comedy on September 21! Featuring the Oscar-winning makeup effects of Rick Baker, “Werewolf” follows two American backpackers who, after encountering a werewolf in the moors, get transformed into a ravenous werewolf (David Naughton) and an animated, decaying corpse (Dunne).
