Holler is a film that is not afraid to shy away from the harsh truths of the world, and dive head first into exploring them.
All too often movies sugar coat the harsh realities of the world, but not Nicole Riegel’s Holler. This movie is very reminiscent of 8 Mile as in it is not afraid to tackle real issues like drug abuse and addiction, poverty, and layoffs. Jessica Barden stars and delivers an incredible performance that will have audiences truly connecting with her, and understanding that she is just doing what it takes to survive.
This movie takes place in a manufacturing town, but things are not going great. Work is drying up and there are a lot of folks living in poverty, and being forced to do things they wouldn’t normally do in order to get by, like Ruth (Jessica Barden). Her mother is in jail, and she is working her butt off at a manufacturing job that isn’t giving her enough money to live off of. So she spends her nights scrapping metal with a not so great group of guys, even though her life goal is to go to college and make something of herself.
Movies like this are important because they remind the world that there are people living like this in the world, and in this country. Sure there are bad people out there, but not everyone who does something wrong, is one of those people.
While Holler is very clearly an indie film, that is not necessarily a bad thing. The cinematography could be better, and it isn’t as crisp as a big budget movie, but the heart and soul of it definitely shines through. Ruth is easy to connect to even for those not in her situation, but those who are, will likely really see themselves in her, and hopefully will see they are not alone, and can get through anything with perseverance.
The casting is fantastic in this movie as Jessica Barden is not the only person to deliver an incredible performance. The amazing Pamela Adlon plays her mother Rhonda, who is in jail for drug abuse after becoming addicted to pain pills thanks to a work injury and a doctor who just kept prescribing them. Another very relatable issue to the world today, unfortunately.
Holler is not without its faults, as it does have some pacing issues and can drag at times, especially during scenes that are heavy with dialogue. However, this movie does a great job of shining a light on those who are less fortunate, and want to change their luck around themselves. Sometimes people have to do whatever they can in order to change their situation, and sometimes it takes a shock for them to realize a way to do it.
This movie works so well because of the cast and direction, and the fact that they are able to pull off such a dialogue heavy movie, with very little action involved.
About Holler
In a forgotten pocket of Southern Ohio where American manufacturing and opportunity are drying up, a determined young woman finds a ticket out when she is accepted to college. Alongside her older brother, Ruth Avery joins a dangerous scrap metal crew in order to pay her way.
Together, they spend one brutal winter working the scrap yards during the day and stealing valuable metal from the once thriving factories by night. With her goal in sight, Ruth finds that the ultimate cost of an education for a girl like her may be more than she bargained for, and she soon finds herself torn between a promising future and the family she would leave behind.
OPENS IN SELECT THEATERS AND ON DEMAND/DIGITAL ON FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021
