SF Jewish Film Festival: Only Good Feelings

Q&A with director Shervin Nassi after the screening!

Benny (Ryan McCartan) and his best friend Kameron (Elias Kacavas) are fleeing to Mexico, desperate to outrun their collapsing lives in New York City. In Only Good Feelings, a fast-paced tragicomedy set among a loosely connected, semi–class-conscious cohort of born-and-bred city characters, grief emerges as the true protagonist. It lingers in Benny’s confrontation with sudden loss, in the uneasy vulnerability of grief counseling sessions (featuring a striking Josie, played by Amanda Steele), and in the persistent question underlying everything: Where does one go from here?

In his directorial debut, Shervin Nassi balances absurdity with despair, and heartache with joy. With a blend of zany scoring, sharp edits, and a lingering stillness matched by luminous, frenetic cinematography, the film creates an arresting backdrop for this turning point in Benny’s life. Nassi moves fluidly between the childhood bedroom and the getaway car, guiding us through the chaos and the quiet of mourning. Filled with compassion and wit, this film is a deeply felt exploration of grief that reminds us life continues to unfold. —Karina Curry