Last year, we saw the film “Hillbilly Elegy” get roasted by critics for its depiction of poverty through the lens of white Americans. The film had a number of issues, including questionable politics, but it was clear that there’s a large group of people who don’t necessarily want a Trump-era film about how white people struggle. And on the surface, the new drama “Holler” looks like another one of those films. But believe us, this is something far more genuine and emotional, showcasing an incredible performance from its lead in a story that doesn’t feature a “white people have it hard too” message.
‘Holler’: Jessica Barden Shines In A Drama About Scavenging The American Dream [Review]
As seen in the trailer for “Holler,” the film follows the story of a high school girl who lives in an impoverished small town in southern Ohio. After finding out she has been accepted to college, she works with a scrap metal crew to help pay for her chance at the American Dream. The film stars Jessica Barden as Ruth, the young woman that has to make the choice between going after her dream and getting out of her small-town existence or staying with her family.
“Holler” is directed by Nicole Riegel and stars Barden alongside Pamela Adlon and Austin Amelio. In our review of the film from last fall, we said, “‘Holler’ succeeds at putting a human face on large-scale economic trends, telling a suspenseful coming of age story that shows the true cost of lost opportunity.”
“Holler” arrives in select theaters and on VOD on June 11. You can watch the trailer below.
‘Holler’ Exclusive Clip: Jessica Barden Stars In The Upcoming SXSW Drama
Here’s the synopsis:
In a forgotten pocket of Southern Ohio where American manufacturing and opportunities 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 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 at night. With her goal in sight, Ruth finds that the ultimate cost for an education for a girl like her maybe more than she bargained for, and she soon finds herself torn between a promising future and the family she would leave behind.