DVD REVIEW: Hesher

Title: Hesher
Studio: Lionsgate
Genre: Drama/Comedy
Release: 2011

Simultaneously familiar and completely unique, Spencer Susser’s Hesher is a film that is difficult to define, let alone discuss. The previews lead audiences to believe it would be a drama laced with wit, but the reality is a much more heavy-handed picture than anyone could have predicted, thanks in part to a wealth of great performances. It’s definitely not for everyone, but those who “get it” will definitely want to keep and talk about for weeks, if not months to come (which is convenient, considering it hits DVD/Blu-ray THIS WEEK).

Though the title references a character we’ll soon discuss, the main story of Hesher is actually about a boy named T.J. His mother recently died in a tragic accident, which lead him and his extremely guilt-stricken father (played incredibly well by Rainn Wilson) to live with his sickly grandmother. T.J. is essentially on his own, lost in a motherless world, when a chance happening causes him to meet (and subsequently become connected to) a strange and widely misunderstood metalhead named Hesher (Joseph Gordon-Levitt).

Tall, thin, and filled with monstrous amounts of “don’t give a f*ck,” Hesher is ousted from the place he’s squatting shortly after meeting T.J. and decides to move in with the boy until a better situation can be found. T.J. is too young to refuse this idea and his father too grief stricken, so Hesher throws down his things and settles in as one of the family. So may call it crazy, but in this house, it’s just another day in a world without mom.

The story progresses and T.J., through more guidance from Hesher than his own father, learns about life and loss in a way only a fictional character could. The hijinks are outrageous, the consequences are worse, but what makes it work is Susser’s ability to always make you feel firmly rooted in reality. Yes, Hesher is completely ridiculous person that probably wouldn’t exist anywhere on this planet (unless he was also on a sex offenders registry) and yes, the metaphor for his presence in T.J.’s life is about a spoonfed as they come, but the honestly in each actor’s performance, thanks mainly to a script miles ahead of most first-time feature writers, makes it all feel like it could be taking place just down the block.

Spencer Susser is a young filmmaker with a lot to prove, but Hesher goes a long way towards establishing him as a voice that demands your attention. It isn’t what you’d expect, but great acting, a strong script, and a moral that’s remarkably simple given the film’s absurd tones makes for a thoroughly satisfying experience regardless. Sit back, strap in, cover the ears of small children (and the morally upright) and get ready to meet someone that could change your life forever.

Bonus Features:

Though Hesher is a film that stands on its’ own, UTG was lucky enough to preview the bonus features and felt a need to mention them as well. In addition to the by-the-numbers commentaries and extra scenes, Hesher’s interactive sketchpad is included on the physical release. It’s a collection of images that, in hopes of keeping the character mysterious to those that haven’t seen the film, we’ll go as far as to describe as an accurate reflection of the man you’d expect to find within the stone-faced person we meet.

Whether these will increase your love of the film or not is really up to your interests in knowing more, but for those who want it, they provide it.

Review written by: James Shotwell

Still can’t decide? Watch the theatrical trailer:

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One Response to “DVD REVIEW: Hesher”

  1. Nvard says:

    It looks like a really good version of orange county. Replacing JB with JGL