Heaven Knows What (2015)

I felt inspired to add one more review as this film has very few thus far.I had first heard of this movie from Ariel Pink when he was working on music for the film. Initially they were toying with the idea of having him play one of the more important characters in the film, but eventually he decided to stick with music composition and a quick cameo, which can be seen in the early portion of the film. I never got to seeing it when it was released, but GOOD TIME came out, and got my attention right away. GOOD TIME ended up being my favorite film of 2017 by a longshot. Totally blew me away - the combination of everything was just stellar... the acting, the anxiousness of the characters, the pacing, the claustrophobic sort of cinematography, the synth score by Oneohtrix Point Never which is simultaneously beautiful and relentless, and of course the script and thus the movie as a whole. If a title card gives you goosebumps on it's own that's usually a really good sign.Tonight I decided to go backwards and check out Heaven Knows What. I knew after what they delivered with Good Time, it would likely be firing on all cylinders as well, and that is exactly the case! It hits hard with just about every single one of the elements that made Good Time so great, only Heaven Knows What is a far bleaker film, probably since it's based off of the true story of a junkie, portrayed by that junkie. In Good Time, though it's still heavy, you kind of get to laugh at the characters for being such dumbasses, but in HKW, there's nothing to laugh about. These characters are all living through the bowels of existence - they are all fully psychologically emaciated - and the portrayal of it is painfully realistic. This is an extremely tragic film. If you can't find something to appreciate in tragedy, or in an analysis of psychological decomposition, then you probably won't like the movie. Personally, I found it to be some form of a masterpiece. A very fitting launchpad and showcase of ability for the incredible Safdie Brothers and for the brilliantly terrifying Caleb Landry Jones. It's also a very fitting precursor to the gripping masterpiece that is Good Time. I'm sure this was a very rewarding cathartic experience for the captivating lead, Arielle Holmes, as well - you could now call me a fan. I went to follow her on Instagram but couldn't find her :(This film features one of the most devastating ways to start a film I have ever seen. To introduce two characters this way... that's why I give this film a 10. Everything that leads up to the title card... so, so heavy - so raw, so real. It's almost too much, and that's why it is such an accomplishment.As such a huge Good Time fan, it's incredible to see Necro and show stealer Buddy Duress in their first roles as well. Duress really, really kills it in both this and Good Time. Such impressive performances coming from a dude who prior to this had been featured in zilch, nada, nothing.I love reading negative reviews for films whenever I find a movie to be completely masterful. "I just couldn't figure out what this movie was about, it's incomprehensible!" LOL, really? Seems pretty straightforward to me: some junkies are living their screwed up lives, trying to survive, and we get to watch. There's nothing else to it, and there doesn't need to be. How is that incomprehensible?I could go on, but I will stop here. As long as you are down with the bleakness, this is a movie you must see. The score by Japanese synth legend Isao Tomita is incredible as well. I'm just really wholly impressed. This movie is really gonna stick with me. I can't wait to see what the Safdie Brothers do next.

this movie was very entertaining for me to watch.it made me cringe which turned me off from it, but something about its authenticity attracted me immensely. I enjoyed every minute of it even at the dullest moments. the realness and new york essence, was very relate able and i found myself drifting into my own alternative universe while watching it... maybe because i was really baked. anyway this movie is accurate and exposes a very dark surreal world that i have been peripherally exposed too. i enjoyed this movie a lot. To be honest the music and cinematography really made it for me, along with the gore factor, and plot. i think Ariel Holmes cud get it and maybe Ariel pink too... and that tall Safdie bro. anyway Im saying this movie is good, actually great, but To be honest the first time i saw it i was a little confused... and actually didn't really like it ... actually i saw it with my boyfriend in theaters... and i secretly hated it and felt really weird explaining why i hated it. i didn't hate the movie really, just the ending felt incomplete and arbitrary to me, then time passed. i tor rented it re watched it and was like "WOW!" this movie is str8 pi ff. i understood the ending and the movie more. note to self don't do drugs before seeing obscure artsy movies about doing drugs.... :-/ finally, if your going to see this movie, you should be some 1 who Can Deal with reality, syringes, blood, guts, emotions, paleness, concrete, broken glass, and soggy sleeves.

There are few films as unforgiving as Heaven Knows What. With its blistering soundtrack and rough in-your-face photography, you're either captivated or eyeing the exit. The Safdie brothers fictionalised retelling of Arielle Holmes life on the street, as played impressively by herself, is relentlessly bleak. The only joy is securing a dose of heroin. It doesn't keep track of names or days, just showing how she survives moment-to-moment. That kind of loose narrative thread void of character backstories can work if it holds together thematically, but Heaven Knows What isn't clear what it's trying to say besides showing the life of an addict. It latches onto hints of a theme of unrequited love, as demonstrated by Holmes' toxic relationship with her easy-to-loathe on-off-again boyfriend Ilya. Not that he has to be likable - the devastating first act where he encourages her to commit suicide is the film's finest stretch - but he's so loathsome that he drag the film down with him. Holmes has her own moments of venom, though it's balanced with vulnerability. Perhaps his purpose thematically is that he represents her relationship with heroin, but that's too on-the-nose and flimsy to bolster the film's quality. Instead, the film hinges on that docu-style commitment from both the directors and the cast. Certainly an emotionally exhausting experience with the aesthetics, I just wish it was more thoroughly explored on paper first.7/10

I guess I'm writing this review after seeing the one and only other review. This film is actually really very good, and for what its showing: perfect. Time is different for some people. Those with heroin in their lives don't live as we do. For them time doesn't really exist.There is a flow and it is somewhat linear though quantum leaps here and there are possible at anytime. There is always need.The opening is a dream. One of Harley's perfect moments in 'time' smashed by a realisation. She has to kill herself for the man she loves? Combine this with Heroins ebb and flow and it becomes even more intense. Love unrequited but really Ilya loves Harley too... right? What will you do for love? Anything. What will you do for Heroin? Almost anything?The film flows through days and night though really we are just allowed to view their lives for a short train ride. The end is Malick in style - life just keeps on flowing. I read up a little on Arielle Holmes (Harley) - she has lived the lifestyle, and some parts of the film are based on her adventures!It's very realistic. Just watch it all, let it flow.Oh also, the use of modular synths and sound instead of voice (in parts) is very effective, the latter trying something new and it worked.