The Dark Allure of 'Think Good': When Religion Meets Toxic Love
There’s something undeniably gripping about films that explore the complexities of toxic relationships, but Géraldine Nakache’s Think Good takes this well-trodden path and twists it into something uniquely unsettling. Personally, I think what makes this film stand out isn’t just its portrayal of domestic abuse—a theme we’ve seen before in gems like Custody and Just The Two of Us—but its bold decision to center the story within the framework of modern Orthodox Judaism. This isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right, adding layers of tension and cultural nuance that elevate the narrative.
The Seductive Trap of Love-Bombing
One thing that immediately stands out is the film’s portrayal of Jacques’ love-bombing in Dubai. It’s a tactic we’ve all heard about, but seeing it unfold on screen, with Nils Schneider’s intense performance, is chilling. What many people don’t realize is how easily this kind of overwhelming affection can blind someone to red flags. Gil, played by Monia Chokri, is swept off her feet, and before she knows it, she’s pregnant and married to a man she barely knows. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just a story about a bad relationship—it’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of rushing into commitment without truly understanding the other person.
Religion as a Double-Edged Sword
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Nakache uses religion as both a tool of control and a source of solace. Jacques’ rigid adherence to Orthodox Judaism isn’t just about faith; it’s about dominance. He weaponizes religious rules to isolate Gil, from dictating her behavior to cutting her off from her support system. But here’s the twist: the same religion that enables his toxicity also offers Gil a glimmer of hope. The sympathetic rabbi in Dubai becomes a beacon of wisdom, reminding us that faith can be both a chain and a lifeline. This duality is rarely explored in such depth, and it’s a detail that I find especially interesting.
The Visual Language of Entrapment
From my perspective, the film’s cinematography is where it truly shines. Sylvestre Vannorenberghe’s Scope shots and intimate close-ups don’t just show us Gil’s isolation—they make us feel it. The modern countryside house, with its wood and glass, looks like a dream home, but for Gil, it’s a prison. The image of Jacques lurking on the garden swing, framed like a giant spider, is haunting. What this really suggests is that abuse isn’t always about physical violence; it’s about the slow, suffocating erosion of freedom.
The Unbearable Weight of Motherhood
A scene that still lingers in my mind is the hospital confrontation after Gil gives birth. Jacques blocks her family and friends from seeing her, under the guise of protecting her rest. The anguish on her mother’s face is almost too much to bear. This raises a deeper question: How often do we, as a society, ignore the signs of abuse when they’re right in front of us? Jacques’ behavior isn’t just controlling; it’s a calculated move to sever Gil’s ties to anyone who might help her. It’s a stark reminder that abusers don’t just target their partners—they target their entire support network.
The Irony of 'Thinking Good'
The film’s title, inspired by Gil’s mother’s advice, “If you think good, good things will come,” feels almost cruel in this context. In my opinion, this phrase isn’t just a piece of well-intentioned but useless advice—it’s a commentary on the toxic positivity that often surrounds victims of abuse. Positive thinking won’t fix a broken relationship, and sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is acknowledge the darkness.
Looking Ahead: The Broader Implications
What this film really suggests is that toxic relationships aren’t just personal failures—they’re systemic issues. Jacques’ behavior is enabled by societal norms, religious expectations, and Gil’s own reluctance to confront the truth. If you take a step back and think about it, Think Good isn’t just a story about one couple; it’s a mirror held up to all of us. How often do we turn a blind eye to the Jacques of the world, dismissing their behavior as ‘just the way they are’?
Final Thoughts
Think Good is more than a tense marital drama; it’s a masterclass in storytelling that challenges us to think critically about love, faith, and power. Personally, I think it’s a film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll, not just for its gripping performances or stunning visuals, but for the uncomfortable questions it forces us to ask ourselves. What this really suggests is that sometimes, the most important stories are the ones that make us squirm.
