Hesher (2011)

A bereaved family has their house invaded by a heavy metal loving anarchist who teaches them a few things about life...

When a young man who recently lost his mother in a horrific car accident breaks the window of a squat occupied by a heavy metal listening anarchist, he has no idea what he is letting himself or his family in for.

"T.J", his father "Paul" and "Grandma", all live in the same house trying to get over the traumatic death of their wife, mother and daughter in law, each in their own way. In a twist of fate, "Hesher", a mad, heavy metal driven anarchist comes into their lives, invading their house and making it his own. He brings with him his own very unique outlook on the world, caring only for himself and in no way understanding the pain those around him are going through.

As "T.J" goes from one stage of grief to the next, he meets "Nicole", a broke supermarket teller and despite their age difference (him being 10 and her a lot older), falls in love with her. Through all of this confusion and tragedy, "Hesher" seems to be the only "sane" one in the world, but will the rest of them stop long enough to listen to his wisdom?

The trailer for this film promised good things and more than delivered on these, director and writer Spencer Sussor producing one of the finest, yet most dark films to be released in 2011. The movie is a work of genius, but one of the most depressing films I have seen in a long time. The combination of unexpected grief and the inability of the family to carry on, mindless destruction and no seeming need to answer for their actions, make this a truly dark film, but the characters meld superbly to make an awesome film.

Traditionally a comedy actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt (who soared to fame in Third Rock from the Sun), he has now started taking to more serious roles and in this one is possibly his darkest one yet as "Hesher". From the man who starred in "Inception" and then went on to award nomination in "50/50", this is a new career high. He is truly inspirational in this film, as a dark and brooding metal-head, who does things simply to see their effect on people. His performance is something very special, playing this very dysfunctional character to perfection. Bravo!

Oscar winner Natalie Portman has made some fantastic films in her time and some true horrors, but her role as "Nicole" in this one, ranks up there with the best of them. Her hopeless and destitute character brings out the very best in this actress, plumbing the depths of depression which shows just what a fantastic talent she is. Her character is dark, while at the same time, being possibly the happiest in the entire film, but seems to meld a number of different emotions together for a fantastic result.

Young Devin Brochu is phenomenal in this film in what is effectively the lead role of "T.J". His portrayal of a grieving boy who has lost his mother suddenly and the anger, frustration, disillusionment at his situation where is father is unable to be a stable figure in his life, while trying to deal with his own loss. His performance is superb, one of the finest I have seen of an actor this young. His mood is dark and brooding, and he reaches out to anybody who will giving him the stability he so badly needs. I look forward to seeing a hell of a lot more of this talented youngster.

Rainn Wilson, best known for his starring role in "The Office", tries his hand at the more serious side of his craft and delivers something very decent indeed in the role of "Paul". His inability to deal with the sudden loss of his wife is deeply tragic and disturbing and adds so much to the true drama of this film. Piper Laurie who plays Grandma is probably the true highlight in this magnificent film. Her character strikes you as so helpless, that you cannot but help yourself in supporting her.

The film is harsh and brutal, yet at the same time tender and tragic. It mixes all the best of all the characters to introduce a fantastic script and a story which will leave you sitting in silence as the credits roll. This film is something very special, but wears its heart on its sleeve and makes absolutely no apologies for this. Watch this film with an open mind and be prepared to be impressed. Not a happy movie.

8.5/10