Why the film is worth your time
What makes a momentary acquaintance more than just momentary? In Goodbye Solo, it’s a quick, sharp moment of insight combined with great concern for other people. It drives the title character, Solo, to relentlessly pursue keeping the relationship alive. The film excellently explores profound depth and sincerity of human care, offering a rich perspective on awareness of and love for others, including strangers.
Introduction to the film
Solo is a foreigner: an immigrant to the USA from Senegal. As a friendly, energetic, talkative taxi driver in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, he sees lots of people. One customer, William, has a deal to offer: On the 20th of the month, he’ll give Solo $1,000 for a one-way ride to a landmark two hours outside of town. In his friendly and inquisitive way, Solo is intrigued and wants to know the reason behind William’s odd request. William doesn’t appreciate the probing, but Solo’s engaging manner keeps him (barely) talking. Then Solo stumbles upon the reason when William doesn’t answer one of his questions. Shocked, Solo is immediately engulfed by deeply felt concern and by a desire to break through the frozenness of William’s life. Running time: 91 min.
Reflections before you see the film
The film’s tense relationships explore important questions. How shall we know, respect, and love others within good relational boundaries? When shall we, out of love, respect another’s desire to be left to themselves, and when — also out of love — shall we refuse to leave them alone? What manner of relationship will encourage another to open up to invasive love and when does it cross the line? How are family and relationships both life-giving and life-draining?
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How can we forge relational bonds that draw someone into life? How is our care and concern for others both a beautiful gift and a responsibility? Goodbye Solo, in its tone, plot, dialog, relationships, and pacing, wonderfully explores such territory.
Goodbye Solo’s filmcraft is direct, no-frills, and excellent all around. The dichotomy of the lead characters in the screenplay — irrepressible, optimistic connection to life and relationship versus detached and broken loneliness — is superbly captured by the film’s two lead actors (Souléymane Sy Savané and Red West, respectively). The pacing of the film, starting from the opening shot where we are thrown into the middle of a conversation between taxi driver and passenger, on the one hand jars us into new realizations and perspectives and, on the other, gives space for relational development and reflection. Numerous allusions and metaphors support and inform the film’s exploration. Goodbye Solo is a beautifully conceived and executed film, very well worth the investment of time — but be sure it’s a time when you can pause afterward and consider what the film has taken you through.
Content awareness
As we learn in the first moments of the film, the central driver of Goodbye Solo’s plot is a person intent on self-harm. Some mild and strong language. Some brief fistfighting.
The credits
- Director: Ramin Bahrani
- Screenplay: Bahareh Azimi & Ramin Bahrani
- Leads: Souléymane Sy Savané, Red West, Diana Franco Galindo
- Cinematography: Michael Simmonds
- Music: M. Lo
Where to find the film
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NOTE: Reviews and content on other sites may have spoilers — without warning you.
- Watch Goodbye Solo on Amazon Prime
- Buy Goodbye Solo DVD on Alibris.com
- Buy Goodbye Solo DVD on Amazon.com
- Info on IMDb
- Reviews on Rottentomatoes (94%)
- Reviews on Metacritic (89 of 100) a Metacritic Must-See
- FYI: Alternate rendering of the film’s title: Good Bye Solo
