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Romantic drama

Good Sam (2019): Cast, Ratings, Ending & Where to Watch

Good Sam (2019) movie poster

Good Sam is a 2019 romantic drama directed by Kate Miles Melville, starring Tiya Sircar as Kate Bradley, Scott Humphrey and Stefanie Nakamura. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes. Its Echo Score is 58/100. Stream it on Netflix.

Good Sam (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 30m (90 min)
Genres
Drama , Romance , Comedy
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Good Sam About?

The premise of Good Sam without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Follow the mystery. Discover a miracle. A news reporter looks into who has been anonymously leaving large cash gifts on random doorsteps in New York.

Where to watch

Where to Watch Good Sam

Stream it on Netflix. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Good Sam Cast & Characters

Tiya Sircar leads the cast as Kate Bradley, with Scott Humphrey as Channel 3 Reporter and Stefanie Nakamura as Channel 9 Reporter. Directed by Kate Miles Melville; 27 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Good Sam

· 23 more
Show all 27 cast members
Ratings

Good Sam Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 58/100, strongest in character & emotion (68) and weakest in sensory experience (50).

58 /100

Good Sam Echo Score Breakdown

Good Sam elicits a mixed response, with its uplifting premise offset by modest production values. Critics acknowledge the lead’s engaging performance and the film’s family‑friendly narrative, while noting a predictable plot and limited cinematic ambition. Audience feedback mirrors this split, praising the feel‑good tone and occasional twists but criticizing the slow pacing and TV‑movie aesthetic. Consequently, the movie offers a pleasant, if unremarkable, viewing experience that may satisfy genre fans without leaving a lasting impression.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 55

    In terms of visual craftsmanship, Good Sam exhibits a low‑budget aesthetic that aligns more with television productions than cinematic releases. Reviewers note a modest color palette and straightforward editing, with no standout cinematography or production design. This economical approach limits visual impact but maintains functional coherence, resulting in an adequate but unremarkable artistic execution.

  • Character & Emotion 68

    Characterization in Good Sam leans heavily on Tiya Sircar’s relatable portrayal of a skeptical reporter, which many reviewers cite as the film’s strongest element. Supporting performances are described as competent yet occasionally ordinary, contributing to a generally pleasant ensemble. However, criticism of shallow character depth and limited emotional nuance tempers the overall impression, leaving the cast effective but not fully developed.

  • Story & Flow 58

    The narrative of Good Sam follows a straightforward, family‑oriented mystery centered on altruism and pay‑it‑forward motifs. Reviewers commend its accessible plot and occasional twists, yet point out a predictable structure and clichéd moral lessons that diminish originality. Pacing is described as measured but occasionally plodding, resulting in a story that is engaging enough for casual viewers while lacking depth for more discerning audiences.

  • Sensory Experience 50

    Sensory elements in Good Sam receive minimal attention, with few remarks on soundtrack or sound design across reviews. The film’s modest budget yields a subdued visual style, lacking distinctive cinematography or elaborate effects. Consequently, the auditory and visual experience remains serviceable but unremarkable, providing a functional backdrop without enhancing the overall atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    Rewatch potential for Good Sam hinges on its feel‑good premise and family‑friendly tone, which many viewers find uplifting on an initial viewing. While the pleasant performances and simple plot may invite a second watch for casual enjoyment, the predictable storyline and limited cinematic depth reduce its long‑term appeal. Overall, the film offers modest replay value primarily for audiences seeking lighthearted positivity.

Plot

Good Sam Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Good Sam from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Kate Tiya Sircar is a NYC Channel 12 reporter who normally covers the city’s disaster beat, the kind of assignments that leave a mark after the screens go dark. When she stumbles on a pattern of mysterious $100,000 donations, a single clue rapidly expands into a broader mystery about a donor who signs their generosity with the nickname Good Sam, short for Samaritan. The story feels intimate yet unsettling, weaving together ordinary lives touched by a carefully choreographed act of kindness.

Full summary

The whole story of Good Sam, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Videos

Good Sam Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Good Sam.

Good Sam | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Good Sam?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the nickname of the mysterious donor who gives $100,000 to various recipients?

Cars

Cars in Good Sam

40 cars on screen, including the 2002 Dodge Caravan and the 1995 Ford Econoline.

All 40 cars
  • 2002 Dodge Caravan in Good Sam 2002 Dodge Caravan Important role
  • 1995 Ford Econoline in Good Sam 1995 Ford Econoline Important role
  • 2013 Lincoln MKZ in Good Sam 2013 Lincoln MKZ Important role
  • 2007 Audi A4 Cabriolet B7 in Good Sam 2007 Audi A4 Cabriolet B7 Minor role
Details

Good Sam Also Known As

18 alternative titles, including “O Bom Sam” and “Samarytanin”.

Also known as
  • O Bom Sam
  • Samarytanin
  • El buen Sam
  • Ποιος Είναι ο Καλός Σαμαρείτης;
  • O Bom Samaritano
  • Un bon samaritain
  • השומרוני הטוב
  • Добрият самарянин
  • 굿 샘
  • 門廊上的禮物
  • 神秘慈善家
  • Hayırsever
+6 more
  • A Szamaritánius
  • В поисках доброго самаритянина
  • Dobrý Sam
  • Món Quà Bí Ẩn
  • 善きサムからの贈り物
  • 財神追擊

Seen Good Sam?

FAQ

Good Sam FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch and post-credit scenes of Good Sam, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Good Sam?

Good Sam runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).

When was Good Sam released?

Good Sam was released on May 16, 2019.

Who directed Good Sam?

Good Sam was directed by Kate Miles Melville.

More films by Kate Miles Melville

Who is in the cast of Good Sam?

Good Sam stars Tiya Sircar as Kate Bradley, Scott Humphrey as Channel 3 Reporter and Stefanie Nakamura as Channel 9 Reporter, among 27 credited actors.

Where can I watch Good Sam?

In the US, Good Sam is streaming on Netflix (availability from JustWatch).

Does Good Sam have a post-credit scene?

No. Good Sam has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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