HELLION – The Review

HELLION is the feature-film debut for writer and director Kat Candler. With this film, Candler certainly has my full attention and should have yours as well. Few filmmakers can make such a powerful and meaningful statement — and do so successfully — on their first outing, but the term “rookie” would be gravely misused in its traditional context on such a filmmaker.

Aaron Paul, most notably recognized as Jessie from the television series Breaking Bad, portrays Hollis Wilson, a hard working father struggling to raise his two sons on his own. After his wife and mother of his boys died, times got tough and Hollis slipped into an alcoholic state as a means to cope. Meanwhile, his 13-year old son Jacob, played by Josh Wiggins, heads down a dangerously deviant path. In his first feature film, Wiggins shines. Influenced by heavy metal music and a passion for motor cross, Wiggins gives the troubled Jacob a thoughtful, reflective quality that resists our temptation to write him off as just another punk hoodlum. In the beginning, we witness Jacob making efforts to protect his younger brother Wes (played by Deke Garner) from his own choices, but soon gives in and ultimately regrets having let his guard down.

What transpires at this crucial turning point sets in motion the downward spiral of events that will forever changes Hollis’ and Jacob’s lives. Hollis’ sister-in-law Pam, played by Juliette Lewis, provides at first a role of functional necessity in the story, but gradually shows another level of human compassion which could be misconstrued as heartless betrayal, but Lewis manages to overcome this with her subdued performance and level-headed nature. This is not something we’re used to in her performances, but this provided a wonderful contract to Paul’s wonderfully dramatic and rigidly emotional performance of a father battling his demons. Hollis is torn between doing what he knows he must do and being who he fears he is unable to become.

Candler triumphs over melodrama, as nothing in the film feels forced or artificial. HELLION is a story that wears its heart on its sleeve, but is pure and honest. The film does not pull its punches, but does withhold any inclination to be excessively overwrought. Watching the film, we can as easily empathize with Hollis as we can with Jacob, even if they make some poor decisions. The difficulty is coming to terms with whether or not these two forces can come to terms and work together in resolving their shared dilemma.

HELLION has two things working in its favor, along side the talented Candler and her cast. First is a hard, heavy metal soundtrack that plays as a stark contrast against the honest, emotional storytelling. Bands such as Metallica, Slayer and The Sword reverberate as the film continually asks the viewer to maintain a partial, non-judgmental perspective. Secondly, Brett Pawlak‘s cinematography is a mesmerizing beacon of inviting warmth that also contradicts and marries with the harsh metal sounds. The entire film feels saturated by the golden glow of dusk.

After this family’s misfortune has accumulated to what appears to be a point of no return, something clicks. Hollis has what we may consider an epiphany and Jacob quickly discovers what it means to be a responsible man, doing what is right, consequences be damned. The cards are stacked against Hollis and Jacob, but despite the odds, Candler still leaves us feeling like there’s light at the end of the tunnel. HELLION is a heartbreaking, heavy story told with a gentle touch and a focus on maintaining hope.

HELLION is currently playing theatrically in New York and Los Angeles, and nationwide on Video On Demand platforms.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars