Ad Blocker Detected

We use ads to keep this site running, so please consider disabling your ad blocker. Thank you!

Do not know how to disable ad blocker? Check out this article: How to disable ad blocker?

A Good Person

A Good Person 2023

Test your knowledge of A Good Person with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of A Good Person (2023). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Aspiring musician Allison Johnson, portrayed by Florence Pugh, was on the verge of a life-changing commitment with her high school boyfriend, Nathan Adams. However, fate took a tragic turn when, following their joyful engagement celebration, Allison’s inattentiveness behind the wheel led to a catastrophic car accident, resulting in the loss of Nathan’s sister, Molly, and brother-in-law, Jesse. Overwhelmed by guilt and grief, Allison was plunged into a devastating cycle of depression that made it difficult for her to shoulder her responsibilities.

A year later, she navigated her new reality under the caring but watchful eye of her mother, Diane Molly Shannon. Diane aimed to guide Allison away from the painkillers that had become her escape from unbearable sorrow. Meanwhile, Nathan’s father, Daniel Morgan Freeman, a former police officer, bore the heavy responsibility of caring for his granddaughter, Ryan Celeste O’Connor, who was still grappling with the tragic loss of her parents.

Allison’s struggle with addiction intensified, ultimately leading her to a critical juncture in her life. A humiliating reunion with former acquaintances drove her to attend an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) support group, where fate would intertwine her path with Daniel, who was dealing with his own issues regarding sobriety marked by violent outbursts and blackouts, including an incident that irreparably harmed Nathan.

As an orphan, Ryan faced significant challenges, becoming a target for bullying, and her behavior often drew criticism. Allison felt the weight of her guilt every time she crossed paths with Ryan, reminding her of the tragic impact of her actions on the girl’s family.

Navigating the challenges of her new life, Allison began visiting Daniel’s home, where the strain of their shared experiences began to take hold. A confrontation with Ryan became a pivotal moment for Allison, leading her down a slippery slope of relapse. Ryan’s invitation to a concert, where she would be joined by Nathan and his new girlfriend, pushed Allison deeper into despair.

Her reaction to what she perceived as Ryan’s malicious intent led her to turn back to substance abuse, further complicating the already chaotic situation. In a series of dire events, Ryan found herself in peril during an after-party, and it was Daniel, inebriated and reckless, who attempted to defend her with a gun against a would-be assailant. Fortunately, Nathan’s timely intervention prevented a tragic escalation.

As these harrowing experiences unfolded, both Allison and Ryan were forced to reckon with the consequences of their past. The incidents served as stark reminders that while the flora of emotional scars may fade, the roots of trauma remain. Yet, within this turmoil lay the potential for growth and healing.

With resolve, Allison eventually checked into a rehabilitation facility, marking the beginning of her journey towards healing. After a year, she rediscovered her passion for music, channeling her experiences into heartfelt songs. This period also saw her reconnecting with Nathan. Tragedy struck again when Daniel’s life was unexpectedly cut short, leaving Ryan searching for her place under Nathan’s guidance before starting college.

Attending Daniel’s funeral proved transformative for Allison. She uncovered a profound message behind his tattoo “amor fati,” realizing it translated to “to love one’s fate,” shaping her perspective on her journey through grief. As the solemn gathering faded, the bond between Allison and Ryan grew stronger, as they shared a tender moment on the front stoop, embodying the enduring power of human connection amidst loss.

Timeline

Track the key events of A Good Person (2023) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Allison's Engagement

Allison Johnson, an aspiring musician, celebrates her engagement to her high school boyfriend, Nathan Adams. This joyous moment signifies a life-changing commitment, filled with hope and dreams for the future.

The Tragic Accident

After the engagement celebration, a tragic accident occurs due to Allison's inattentiveness while driving. This results in the devastating loss of Nathan's sister, Molly, and her husband, Jesse, leaving a profound impact on all their lives.

Allison's Guilt and Grief

Overwhelmed by guilt from the accident, Allison spirals into a deep depression, struggling to cope with the grief. This emotional turmoil makes it increasingly difficult for her to manage her daily responsibilities and relationships.

A year later

Diane's Support

Allison's mother, Diane, steps in to help her daughter navigate the complexities of her new reality. Diane attempts to pull Allison away from the painkillers that have become her escape from unbearable sorrow.

Daniel's Burden

Daniel, Nathan's father, grapples with the responsibility of caring for his granddaughter Ryan, who is struggling with the loss of her parents. His role as a caregiver is complicated by his own struggles with grief and sobriety.

Allison's Addiction Deepens

Allison's struggle with addiction intensifies as she faces painful reminders of her past. Her experience at a reunion with former acquaintances leads her to attend an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting, where she meets Daniel.

Ryan's Challenges

Ryan, now an orphan, faces significant challenges, including bullying and isolation. Allison feels the weight of her guilt as her interactions with Ryan remind her of the tragic repercussions of her actions.

Pivotal Confrontation

During a visit to Daniel's home, Allison has a confrontation with Ryan that marks a turning point in her journey. This encounter triggers a relapse for Allison, as she feels overwhelmed by her emotions and the situation.

Daniel's home

Concert Invitation

Ryan invites Allison to a concert, where Nathan and his new girlfriend will be present. This situation exacerbates Allison's sense of despair, causing her to spiral back into substance abuse.

After-Party Incident

At an after-party, Ryan finds herself in danger, prompting Daniel to act recklessly while intoxicated. Nathan bravely intervenes, preventing a serious escalation of violence, highlighting the danger of their situations.

After-party

Facing Consequences

Allison and Ryan are forced to confront the consequences of their past actions. The emotional scars run deep, yet they begin to realize the potential for growth and healing amid their struggles.

Allison's Rehabilitation

Determined to change her life, Allison checks into a rehabilitation facility. This pivotal decision marks the beginning of her journey towards healing and rediscovering her identity beyond addiction.

Rediscovery of Music

After a year in recovery, Allison reconnects with her passion for music and begins writing heartfelt songs inspired by her experiences. This artistic revival becomes a significant part of her healing process.

Daniel's Untimely Death

Tragedy strikes again as Daniel's life is unexpectedly cut short, leaving Ryan without a guardian. This event forces Ryan to seek guidance from Nathan as she embarks on the next chapter of her life.

Transformation at the Funeral

At Daniel's funeral, Allison discovers the meaning behind his tattoo 'amor fati,' which translates to 'to love one's fate.' This revelation empowers her to embrace her journey through grief and loss.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring A Good Person (2023) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Allison Johnson

Allison is a deeply flawed yet resilient character, struggling with the weight of guilt and addiction after a life-altering accident. Her journey toward healing demonstrates her vulnerability and determination to rebuild her life. Despite her setbacks, she seeks redemption through music and rekindling her connection with those she loves.

🎤 Musician 💔 Grief 🌱 Redemption

Daniel

Daniel, portrayed by Morgan Freeman, is a complex character coping with his own demons while trying to raise his granddaughter Ryan. His experience as a former police officer adds depth to his character, as he grapples with responsibility, loss, and the emotional scars left by his past. His interactions with Allison highlight the potential for healing through shared experiences.

👨‍✈️ Authority 💔 Loss 🤝 Mentor

Ryan

Ryan is a young girl facing immense challenges after losing her parents. Her character illustrates the impact of trauma and the longing for connection in a tumultuous emotional landscape. Through her relationship with Allison, she navigates her own grief, wrestling with feelings of abandonment and the desire for solace.

👧 Orphan 💔 Grief 🤝 Vulnerable

Diane

Diane is Allison's mother who strives to guide her daughter through her addiction and grief. Her nurturing nature contrasts with the challenges posed by Allison's struggles. Diane’s character highlights the crucial role of family support in the face of adversity and her determination to help her daughter find her way back.

👩‍👧 Family 💔 Support 🤝 Resilience

Setting

Uncover the settings of A Good Person (2023), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The movie unfolds during contemporary times, addressing urgent issues such as addiction, grief, and the complexities of human relationships in the aftermath of tragedy. It reflects on how individuals cope with loss in a modern setting.

Themes

Explore the core themes of A Good Person (2023). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Grief

Grief is a central theme in 'A Good Person,' as it explores how tragic loss affects the lives of the characters. Allison's journey embodies the struggle to reconcile past mistakes with the profound sorrow she feels after the accident. The film highlights the differing ways individuals cope with grief and the impact on relationships.

🌱

Redemption

The theme of redemption plays a crucial role as Allison seeks to overcome her addiction and painful memories. Her journey towards rehabilitation illuminates the possibility for healing and personal growth. The film illustrates that through connection and acceptance, characters can find hope and purpose again.

🤝

Connection

Connection is a vital theme, particularly evident in the relationships formed between Allison, Ryan, and Daniel. Despite their grief, the characters learn to lean on one another, navigating the complexities of shared loss. This bond ultimately helps them find solace and understanding in each other's struggles.

© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.