Since the beginning of cinema, friendship has been depicted in thousands of films from all parts of the world. Even though some of the most popular and renowned films about friendship have varied in genre, narrative, and aesthetic, the thematic material presented has remained consistent. The themes of bonding, companionship, growth, separation, and maturity are all present in films about friendship. What makes films about friendship so endearing and timeless are the universal themes displayed in them. The themes are heartfelt and speak to us as we relate to what is on the screen. In Peter Kondra and Mikael Schallock’s film, Good Old Friends (2020), the common themes presented in a friendship film are on full display. Good Old Friends, however, takes a surprising turn when an unexpected tragedy occurs. Featuring refreshing performances by Kondra, Schallock, and Andrej Vickers, inventive cinematography with dazzling views of Berlin, an eclectic mix of music, and hilarious comedic moments, Good Old Friends is a smartly crafted independent film that reminds us that we should stop and appreciate those around us before it is too late!
Going into the film blindly, from the first shot of Good Old Friends, I knew I was in for a treat. The film is full of superb camera shots, some aerial, of the city of Berlin. For someone like myself, who has never been to Berlin, seeing the footage of the city was almost like being taken on a tour. Kondra and Schallock cleverly capture Berlin’s intricate and lavish buildings, statues, and overall ambiance. How Berlin was captured by the filmmakers makes Berlin feel like the fourth character in the film, along with the three friends Peter (played by Kondra), Mike (played by Schallock), and Marc (played by Vickers). Without Berlin, the three friends, perhaps, would not be friends, and without their friendship, there would be no narrative. As the film’s narrative begins, the three friends are about to meet one another after a five-year separation. As we could naturally assume, the three friends are now different from their last encounter. Marc, who was supposed to pick up Mike from the airport, is too career-oriented and every moment of his life is consumed by his job. Mike is involved in the film industry, working on various films, in multiple capacities, much to the dismay of Marc, who does not consider Mike’s line of work to be “real work.” Of the three friends, Peter is the one who has remained consistent and does not seem to have anything going for himself. Peter is a typical stoner who not only likes to drink and get high on all sorts of drugs but also sells them. Peter and Mike are the most down-to-earth and eager to reconnect, but Marc is hesitant and uninterested. Instead of taking advantage of the short time he has to revitalize his friendship after five years apart, Marc chooses to focus on his work duties instead of partying and having fun! Marc’s reluctance to enjoy himself and his display of rudeness frustrate Mike. He sees that Marc has changed and is a completely different person. He attempts to engage with Marc, but in anger, Marc responds by saying that it is time for them to grow up and act like adults. To Peter, the answer to liven Marc up is, of course, drugs and a stripper. What starts as an innocent prank of slipping some DMT into Marc’s beer turns into a tragedy in the film’s most shocking moment. It is at this pivotal moment that the friends come to grips with reality and their maturity begins.
While Good Old Friends has many fine moments, such as the scenes in Marc’s apartment involving hilarious bickering and banter between the three friends, drug use, and the awkward encounter with Marc’s girlfriend, and the stripper, two particular moments struck me the most. The scenes of Marc and Peter driving along the nighttime streets of Berlin and at the three friend’s favorite lake are heartfelt, melancholy at times, and have a refreshing level of realism. The dialogue shared between Marc and Peter is incredibly well written and highly engaging. It is hard to look away because of the possibility of missing something! The realism and dialogue displayed and depicted, along with the gorgeous Berlin cityscapes, reminded me of something out of either a Scorsese, Tarantino, or Linklater film! Although I am sure that no one would want to be in a predicament such as the one Marc and Peter found themselves in, going on a late night drive with the friends would be a riot! Good Old Friends culminates with the film’s final scenes at the friend’s favorite lake. The friends share positive memories of spending time there, and it is where they truly restore their friendship, although not as planned. The lake scenes are beautifully shot with lush visuals that add an ethereal-like quality perhaps, suggesting that the predicament will soon be over. While the film’s final moment was unexpected, it is still shocking to see. In a way, the ending of Good Old Friends serves as a caution, a caution of ensuring time is spent appreciating the smaller, finer things in life. Anything can change in the blink of an eye!
Not having any particular expectations, Good Old Friends left me pleasantly surprised! Good Old Friends is a gem of an independent film that features creative cinematography and visuals, humorous dialogue, stellar performances, and a universal cautionary tale. Using the resources Kondra and Schallock had available, the filmmakers were able to craft a unique film that has a lot of heart and passion, as well as technical craftsmanship. After seeing Good Old Friends, I very much look forward to seeing what Kondra and Schallock have in store for the future. Until then, enjoy Good Old Friends!
Reel/Musings 