Hesher Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grieving kid and his pill-popping dad get a life coach in the form of a foul-mouthed squatter who teaches them about loss by blowing things up.

🍿 Hesher: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Aftermath of Loss

The film introduces T.J., a young boy grappling with the recent death of his mother in a car accident. His father, Paul, is deeply depressed and relies on medication, leaving T.J. largely to fend for himself. They live with T.J.’s grandmother, Madeleine, who tries her best to provide stability. T.J. becomes fixated on retrieving his mother’s wrecked car from the salvage yard.

Enter Hesher

Hesher, a rebellious and destructive force, unexpectedly enters T.J.’s life. He’s a squatter with a penchant for heavy metal and mayhem. Hesher inserts himself into the Forney household, causing chaos and challenging their already fragile existence. He seems to operate without any regard for social norms or consequences.

Nicole and a Glimmer of Hope

T.J. encounters Nicole, a grocery store clerk who shows him kindness and understanding. She becomes a source of comfort and a potential love interest for the young boy. However, Nicole is struggling with her own problems, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative. Hesher’s influence complicates T.J.’s relationship with Nicole.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hesher (Joseph Gordon-Levitt): A foul-mouthed, destructive squatter who unexpectedly becomes a catalyst for change in a grieving family.
• TJ (Devin Brochu): A young boy grappling with the recent loss of his mother, finding solace in unusual friendships.
• Paul (Rainn Wilson): TJ’s depressed father, struggling to cope with the loss of his wife and his responsibilities as a parent.
• Nicole (Natalie Portman): A grocery store clerk who shows kindness to TJ and becomes entangled in the family’s chaotic situation.
• Grandma (Piper Laurie): TJ’s grandmother, who tries to maintain normalcy in the household amidst grief and chaos.
• Dustin (Brendan Hill): The omnipresent bully, and the son of the owner of the local salvage yard.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hesher: “I just saved you.” – Hesher says this after intervening in T.J.’s life, highlighting his role as an unconventional, chaotic savior.
• Mrs. Rosowski: “Life is like walking in the rain… you can hide and take cover or you can just get wet.” – This quote encapsulates the film’s theme of dealing with life’s hardships head-on instead of avoiding them.
• Hesher: “Sometimes you lose one, but you still got the other one, and you got your dick, and your dick still works, right?” – Hesher shares this crude but comforting observation at the funeral, reflecting on loss and what remains.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $7,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $382,946
• Worldwide Gross: $449,702

💥 Hesher Reviews

Personal Review

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into ‘Hesher,’ but it completely blew me away. Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s portrayal of Hesher is both terrifying and strangely endearing. I felt a connection to TJ’s struggle, and the moments with his grandma were heartwarming. I loved how the movie didn’t shy away from darkness but still managed to find humor and hope in the most unexpected places. I’ll definitely be recommending this to my friends who appreciate unconventional stories and raw performances.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Joseph Gordon-Levitt”
  • “Viewers who appreciate dark comedies with unconventional characters”
  • “Those interested in films exploring themes of grief and healing”
  • “Metallica fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Violence”
  • “Disturbing themes”
  • “Mature themes (grief, loss)”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Hesher balances dark humor and genuine pathos, powered by Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s captivating performance as a chaotic force. The film explores grief and healing in unconventional ways, although it occasionally veers into melodrama. Despite its flaws, ‘Hesher’ offers a unique and memorable cinematic experience.
• Variety: “‘Hesher’ rides on Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s captivating turn, but the film’s disjointed narrative and uneven tone undermine its emotional impact. The supporting cast shines, but the story’s quirky premise struggles to resonate beyond surface-level shock value. It has some artistic value but will not appeal to mass audiences.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Despite strong performances from Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Natalie Portman and Devin Brochu, ‘Hesher’ suffers from a lack of focus and purpose. The film flirts with profound themes but ultimately fails to deliver a cohesive or satisfying narrative. Despite the initial shock value, the story falls a bit flat.

Audience Reactions

Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s performance as Hesher is unforgettable and stole the show for me.: Viewers rave about Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s performance and the film’s unique blend of dark humor and emotional depth.

The soundtrack was fantastic, especially the Metallica tracks that perfectly captured the rebellious spirit.: Many fans praised the film’s soundtrack, citing the Metallica songs as a highlight and fitting the overall tone perfectly.

Overall Consensus: Hesher is a polarizing film with strong performances and a unique tone, but its unconventional narrative and dark themes may not appeal to all viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s portrayal of Hesher was heavily influenced by Cliff Burton, the late bassist of Metallica, including the character’s ‘persona’ and the ‘Hesher’ lettering style.”
• “The film features a significant amount of music from Metallica’s ‘Burton’ era, adding authenticity to Hesher’s character and the overall tone of the movie.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hesher?

Hesher is currently available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable availability. Renting or purchasing options are also typically available on these platforms.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Wristcutters: A Love Story (2006): Deals with themes of depression and finding meaning in a dark, absurd world, with a quirky, unconventional narrative.
• Captain Fantastic (2016): Explores unconventional family dynamics and grief, with a protagonist challenging societal norms, similar to Hesher’s disruptive influence.
• Super (2010): Rainn Wilson stars in both films with a similar character. A dark comedy about grief, with some dark humor.

🛒 Hesher Related Products

• Metallica: Master of Puppets (Remastered): Experience Metallica’s iconic album ‘Master of Puppets’ in remastered quality. Includes bonus tracks and liner notes. Relive the raw energy that defined the band’s sound during the Hesher era.
• Hesher Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the official ‘Hesher’ movie poster. Featuring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Hesher, this poster captures the film’s rebellious spirit and dark humor. A must-have for any true fan.
• Hesher Inspired Tattoo T-Shirt: Show off your inner Hesher with this t-shirt featuring designs inspired by Hesher’s homemade tattoos. Made from comfortable, high-quality material. The perfect way to express your rebellious side.
• Hesher – Limited Edition Blu-Ray: Own ‘Hesher’ in stunning high-definition with this limited edition Blu-Ray. Includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and deleted scenes. A collector’s item for serious fans of the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Battery” – performed by Metallica
• “The Shortest Straw” – performed by Metallica
• “Jump in the Fire” – performed by Metallica
• “Motorbreath” – performed by Metallica

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

HESHER – BEHIND THE SCENES FEATURETTE

Ever wondered what it was *really* like to make ‘Hesher’? This behind-the-scenes featurette is awesome, giving you an inside peek at the cast and crew. I love seeing how much work goes into making a film, and this one doesn’t disappoint!

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Hesher at Sundance Film Festival 2010 with Brad Blanks

Want to hear Joseph Gordon-Levitt talk about ‘Hesher’ straight from the source? This interview at Sundance is pure gold! It’s super interesting to hear his take on the character, and I think you’ll appreciate the movie even more after watching it.

Hesher Logic

Ready for a laugh? “Hesher Logic” is a funny video that pokes fun at some of the movie’s quirks. It’s short, sweet, and a great way to lighten the mood. Honestly, I couldn’t stop chuckling!

✨ Rate