Hellion

Director: Kat Candler
Screenwriters: Kat Candler

Institute History

  • 2014 Sundance Film Festival

Description

Thirteen-year-old Jacob is spiraling out of control. The motocross-obsessed teenager’s delinquent behavior pushes his family to the brink of collapse. All hell breaks loose when Jacob enlists his younger brother, Wes, as a partner in crime. Still reeling from his wife’s death, Jacob’s dad, Hollis, has all but abandoned his sons. When Child Protective Services removes Wes to live with his Aunt Pam, Hollis and Jacob are forced to face their culpability as they strive to bring Wes home. Hellion is set in southeastern Texas where the flames and lights of refineries frame the skyline and create a haunting backdrop for this fractured family of motherless men.

Hellion is an exceptionally authentic feature from writer/director Kat Candler, based on her lauded short film that screened at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. Fueled by a commanding performance from Aaron Paul as Hollis, robust support from Juliette Lewis and Deke Garner, and a star-making turn by Josh Wiggins as Jacob, Hellion is as disturbing as it is powerful.

— David Courier

Screening Details

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