It’s her last best chance… is she going to take it?|Jan. 12, 2002|United States | Germany | Netherlands|93 Min.|R
Genre: Comedy;Drama;Romance
Description: The Good Girl, released in 2002, follows the life of Justine Last, a 30-year-old woman struggling with dissatisfaction in her small Texas town. Married to Phil, a house painter who spends most of his time smoking marijuana with his friend Bubba, Justine feels unfulfilled. She works at Retail Rodeo, a local store, alongside coworkers Cheryl, Gwen, and Corny.
One day, Justine meets Holden, a new and introverted cashier. The two quickly form a connection, bonding over their shared sense of isolation. Holden reveals his fascination with J.D. Salinger’s *The Catcher in the Rye* and how he adopted his name from the novel’s protagonist. As their friendship deepens, Justine confides in Holden about her frustrations with Phil, while Holden expresses his growing feelings for her.
However, when Holden makes advances, Justine rejects him, leaving him heartbroken. Despite this, his infatuation grows. After sending her a letter demanding she meet him, Justine ultimately agrees, but her manager intervenes, insisting she tend to a sick coworker. Later, Justine and Holden meet at a motel, where their relationship takes a physical turn.
As their affair continues, Justine’s marriage to Phil worsens. One evening, she notices Bubba’s truck near the motel, fearing he knows about her secret relationship. Feeling the strain, Justine tells Holden they need to pause their affair. The story explores themes of dissatisfaction, connection, and the consequences of desire.
Cast director: Miguel Arteta
Cast actor: Jennifer Aniston, Jake Gyllenhaal, Zooey Deschanel, John C. Reilly, Deborah Rush, Mike White, John Carroll Lynch, Tim Blake Nelson, John Doe, Roxanne Hart
Original name: The Good Girl