Confessions of a Good Samaritan

Confessions of a Good Samaritan was well-received in its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival. Penny Lane takes us on circuitous journey through her decision to make an altruistic kidney donation to a stranger. She explores the nature of altruism in a humorous and revealing manner. Strangely, the journey seems a bit self-absorbed as she tries to explain and justify her own altruistic behavior. Her actions are laudable and selfless even as she seems deeply neurotic and insecure about what she is doing and why. Still, the documentary is entertaining and engaging. It would be a useful supplement for Philosophy classes on Ethics. Recommended for those interested in reflecting on the nature of self and selflessness.

Confessions of a Good Samaritan is a documentary film directed by Penny Lane, who also stars as herself. The film follows Lane's decision to donate one of her kidneys to a stranger, and her exploration of the motives and consequences of altruism. The film combines personal interviews, archival footage, animation, and humor to examine the history, ethics, and psychology of organ donation. The film premiered at the SXSW Film Festival in 2023, where it received positive reviews and won an award for best documentary feature. The film is a candid and compelling portrait of a woman who challenges herself and the audience to rethink what it means to be a good person.

This is an excellent movie. It presents all aspects of what is widely thought to be the ne plus ultra of altruism. At times it is deeply personal and intimate documentary of a difficult and profoundly generous action. Penny is neither neurotic or insecure as those requesting consideration for non directed kidney donation are rigorously screened during the extensive pre-donation evaluation. Nor does the this seem self absorbed as the majority of the film is about the life with renal failure, the need for donors, the process of becoming a donor, etc. It is a thoroughly enjoyable movie, informative and inspiring.