Hellion Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dad who forgot how to dad and a kid who forgot how *not* to set things on fire try to get the little brother back from auntie jail, all soundtracked by head-banging music.

🍿 Hellion: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to the Wilson Family

The film introduces the Wilson family, grappling with the recent loss of their mother. Hollis, the father, is struggling to cope, often resorting to alcohol and neglecting his responsibilities. His older son, Jacob, a rebellious teenager drawn to heavy metal and motocross, acts out in destructive ways, while young Wes is caught in the middle, idolizing his older brother.

Jacob’s Delinquency and Its Consequences

Jacob’s behavior escalates, involving him in vandalism and arson. These actions, coupled with Hollis’s neglect, lead Child Protective Services to intervene. Wes is removed from Hollis’s care and placed with his aunt, Pam, creating a deeper rift within the already fractured family. This separation serves as a catalyst for both Jacob and Hollis to confront their issues.

Efforts to Reunite the Family

Hollis begins to address his alcoholism and attempts to create a more stable home environment. Jacob focuses on motocross, hoping that success in the sport will prove his responsibility and facilitate Wes’s return. The film explores their individual journeys as they attempt to heal and demonstrate their ability to provide a suitable life for Wes.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hollis Wilson (Aaron Paul): The emotionally distant father struggling with grief and single parenthood, leading to neglect of his sons.
• Jacob Wilson (Josh Wiggins): The rebellious teenage son whose delinquent behavior triggers a crisis for his family.
• Wes Wilson (Deke Garner): The younger son whose well-being becomes the focus of a custody battle due to the family’s dysfunction.
• Pam Noonan (Juliette Lewis): The concerned aunt who steps in to provide a stable home for Wes, challenging Hollis’s parenting.
• Lance (Dalton Sutton): Jacob’s friend who participates in delinquent acts.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hollis Wilson: “What are you troublemakers up to?” – A father’s rhetorical question to his sons, encapsulating their rebellious nature and his struggle to connect with them.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $55,708
• Worldwide Gross: $55,708

💥 Hellion Reviews

Personal Review

I found the movie pretty heartbreaking, in a way that feels very real. Aaron Paul is great as a troubled dad, and the kids are fantastic. The movie really gets the feeling of a family struggling to cope with grief and it’s not always pretty. The motocross stuff was cool, and the music fit the mood. Overall, if you’re looking for a real drama, this is a good one.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Aaron Paul”
  • “Viewers interested in family dramas”
  • “Audiences who appreciate independent films”
  • “Individuals who enjoy stories about grief and loss”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Alcohol abuse”
  • “Teenage delinquency”
  • “Arson”
  • “Language”
  • “Some violence”
  • “Brief drug references”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Candler, a native Texan, and cinematographer Brett Pawlak really capture the natural feel of her southern setting. The on-location shooting gives the film an authentic feel, as well as serves as a sort of love letter to her home state. You can sense how passionate Candler is about Texas through the ways in which it is lensed.
• IMDb: “This is a movie that had you shout predictability until what I thought would be the climax, came entirely too early and I realized…I had no real idea what was ahead. It’s a common story in much of America, but truly shot in a way that the viewer finds riveting, emotional, and genuine.
• IMDb: “Hellion delivers a heavy handed message through heavy metal and motocross, the story is very bare bones and when some nice meaty scenes come our way, they are done and over with in thirty seconds. This never really allows us to truly connect to these characters in the way that director Kat Candler wants us to.

Audience Reactions

The performances by the child actors were amazing and very natural.: Viewers praised the acting of Josh Wiggins and Deke Garner as being very believable and emotional.

The movie captures the realistic feeling of a family dealing with tragedy.: Many felt the movie was a raw, honest portrayal of family struggles and grief.

Overall Consensus: A solid drama with great performances, especially from the younger actors, depicting the challenges of a family dealing with loss.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on writer/director Kat Candler’s 2012 short film of the same name, allowing her to expand on the themes and characters.”
• “Aaron Paul’s performance as Hollis Wilson is a departure from his more well-known role in “Breaking Bad,” showcasing his range as an actor in a more subdued and emotionally complex role.”
• “Much of the film’s authenticity comes from its on-location shooting in rural Texas, which adds to the realistic feel of the story and setting.”
• “The heavy metal soundtrack is deliberately used to convey the anger and frustration felt by the characters, providing a unique element to the film’s atmosphere.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hellion?

As of October 26, 2023, ‘Retribution’ (also known as ‘Hellion’) is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability, as it may vary by region. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) may also be available for purchase from online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hellion, you might like these similar films:

• Mud (2012): Both films explore the challenges of youth in rural settings and feature strong performances from young actors.
• Joe (2013): Features a similar narrative of a troubled father figure and a young boy navigating difficult circumstances in the South.
• Short Term 12 (2013): Deals with similar themes of troubled youth and the adults who try to help them, with a focus on character-driven storytelling.

🛒 Hellion Related Products

• Breaking Bad: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]: Explore the series that catapulted Aaron Paul to stardom, featuring stunning visuals and unforgettable storytelling. Immerse yourself in the world of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, and witness the transformation of a high school chemistry teacher into a drug kingpin.
• Motocross Madness 2: Experience the adrenaline rush of motocross with this classic PC game. Featuring realistic physics and challenging tracks, it’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of Jacob’s passion.
• Heavy Metal Music Compilation – Ultimate Headbangers Collection: Get your headbanging fix with this collection of classic and modern metal tracks. Perfect for reliving the angsty energy of the movie’s soundtrack.
• Texas Landscape Photography Prints: Bring the beauty of rural Texas into your home with stunning landscape photography prints. These prints capture the essence of the film’s setting and provide a connection to the story.

🎧 Soundtrack

Hellion features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Burning of Atlanta” – performed by Whiplash

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Aaron Paul on “Hellion”

Ever wondered what went through Aaron Paul’s mind while filming Hellion? He shares his thoughts and experiences in this insightful interview. I found his perspective on the character fascinating!

✨ Rate