Good – A Slow Burner That Leads You to a Different World
Greek philosopher Plato believed that the good life is defined by perfect virtue, which is achieved through the absence of desires. He argued that true happiness comes from being so satisfied that one has no desires at all. Plato also posited that the Good is the highest Form, and that all objects strive to embody goodness. This concept similarly applies to the idea of being good in a narrative context. The story of ‘Good’ involves a process of exploring and understanding what it means to be virtuous, much like peeling an onion layer by layer. It takes the reader deep into an unfamiliar world. However, this exploration does not mean the narrative is hurried; instead, it is akin to learning how to swim: the process is gradual but steady.
The story explores a wide range of subjects, including blockchain technology, the Islamic State, terrorism, the power politics of the United States, artificial intelligence, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese president, robots, and American music, among others. These diverse topics significantly reshape the narrative, providing new insights with each mention. The entire script serves as a snapshot of our current world, while also offering a nuanced examination of human relationships. This combination enriches the story in a positive way, illustrating how simple human connections can influence global politics.
Monte Albers de Leon, the writer of the story, has done an exceptional job. The pacing of the narrative is both gripping and entertaining. Additionally, his innovative use of language serves as a masterclass for aspiring scriptwriters. The flow of the story is so seamless that it instantly draws readers in. Monte also incorporates some Gen-Z lingo, making the story feel contemporary while respecting traditional values. It is evident that he has poured his heart into this work, clearly reflecting his passion for storytelling.
The story encompasses the entirety of human history, which may seem like a daunting task. However, the writer has done an outstanding job of summarizing it effectively. The scenes are crafted in such a way that they leave a lasting impression on the reader. The writing style employs a staccato approach, making the scenes both distinctive and impactful. Additionally, world-building plays a crucial role in the narrative. The author presents his worldview subtly, avoiding a preachy tone, which is a rarity these days. The story is built on a solid foundation, resulting in a robust and compelling structure.
One fascinating aspect of this story is its characters. They are crafted in an intriguing way, with some being subdued while others are pragmatic and, to some extent, aggressive. This blend adds depth to both the characters and the overall narrative, making it worthwhile to read. Each character has distinct desires and challenges, which adds a unique twist to the plot. Additionally, the diverse backgrounds and motivations of these characters enrich the story, making it more engaging and thought-provoking. All these factors contribute to the development of a blueprint for a future world. For anyone concerned about the future of humanity, “Good” serves as a compelling guide to exploring that world.
I would like to highlight the aspect of the long post-credit scenes that complete the script. However, if the script is to be produced as a film, it will require a significant budget. The worlds created by the writer are diverse and expansive, yet they are all interconnected and dependent on one another. It will be a real challenge for a director to portray this on screen. Additionally, the fight scenes will also pose a challenge to depict effectively. Despite these difficulties, I believe that if the film is made correctly, it has the potential to be excellent.
In considering the various aspects of scriptwriting, I would rate this script 3.5 out of 5 stars. I am giving it a high rating because it presents a hopeful vision of the future. Scripts like this are quite rare in an era when many writers tend to avoid political themes. However, I believe that writers should not shy away from addressing political issues. This makes the script truly worthwhile. I genuinely believe that “Good” has the potential to become a great film once it is produced.