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Confessions of a Good Samaritan

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Confessions of a Good Samaritan

Released Jun 28, 2024

1h 45m

Documentary

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22 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Director Penny Lane's decision to become a "good Samaritan" by giving one of her kidneys to a stranger turns into a funny and moving personal quest to understand the nature of altruism. Confessions of a Good Samaritan is a provocative inquiry into the science, history, and ethics of organ transplantation, asking an ancient question in a whole new way: Who is your neighbor, and what do you owe them?

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Alissa Simon

Variety

The low-budget production benefits from an articulate and charismatic lineup of expert interviewees, fascinating archival footage and some welcome humor.

Jul 17, 2024

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Robert Abele

Los Angeles Times

“Confessions” is as much about the mysteries of our human impulses as it is about elective surgery and the roots of altruism.

Jul 15, 2024

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Natalia Winkelman

New York Times

But what begins as an optimistic piece of advocacy eventually veers into something more complex, ambivalent and even frantic.

Jul 1, 2024

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Lael Loewenstein

FilmWeek (LAist)

A fascinating window into that whole world and highlights the need for organ donation.

Jul 13, 2024

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Christopher Campbell

Nonfics (Substack)

The documentary isn’t necessarily about Lane giving away a kidney...her honesty and candidness through it all are as admirable as the deed itself.

Jun 29, 2024

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Stephen Silver

The SS Ben Hecht

The ace documentarian, who told the stories of Satanists and Kenny G, turns the camera on herself and her intriguing quest to donate a kidney.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 27, 2024

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Christina F

I donated a kidney two years ago and just want to say that not everyone experiences the emotional struggles that Penny did. There are mentors available if you're interested in learning more. Thank you, Penny, for bringing awareness to this worthwhile cause.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/16/25

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Frank V

Here’s a documentarian whose real name is Penny Lane. She makes thought-provoking docs that challenge you, demand your attention, and makes you really think. If any filmmaker gives deep meaning to the phrase “a Penny for your thoughts,” this is the one.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/28/24

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Axton B

Lane’s struggle with her motivations comes across as performative, as if she’s trying to prove she’s a good person while wrestling with deep insecurities and a need for validation. Her use of Christ-like imagery and the title itself sets up a savior complex that she claims to reject, but her actions throughout the documentary suggest otherwise. The film’s strongest elements, like its technical execution and Lane’s natural charisma, are overshadowed by a lack of genuine self-awareness. She touches on moments of vulnerability only to quickly retreat, making it hard for the audience to connect with her journey on a deeper level. What could have been a thoughtful exploration of privilege, altruism, and the complexity of personal motivation ends up feeling flat and somewhat disingenuous.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

10/21/24

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Penny Lane

Director

Penny Lane

Self

Gabriel Sedgwick

Producer

Greg Boustead

Executive Producer

Jessica Harrop

Executive Producer

Tim Lee

Executive Producer

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Synopsis

Director Penny Lane's decision to become a "good Samaritan" by giving one of her kidneys to a stranger turns into a funny and moving personal quest to understand the nature of altruism. Confessions of a Good Samaritan is a provocative inquiry into the science, history, and ethics of organ transplantation, asking an ancient question in a whole new way: Who is your neighbor, and what do you owe them?

Director: Penny Lane
Producer: Gabriel Sedgwick
Distributor: Sandbox Films
Production Co: Sandbox Films
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 28, 2024, Limited
Runtime: 1h 45m

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