This review was originally part of our coverage of the 2023 BFI London Film Festival.
Thats stuff forsnuff filmsandhorror, right?
With it, she goes to places where films like these are usually too afraid to go.
Image Via Erebus Pictures
What Is ‘Hoard’ About?
The first thirty minutes ofHoardis where it’s at its best.
Its hard to watch but what makes it easier is the intense bond between this mother and daughter.
Image Via Erebus Pictures
The film is strongest when it offers insights into an extreme mental illnessthat rarely gets the movie treatment.
She still lives with Michelle, whom she calls Mum.
After this time jump,Hoardspends its runtime in the shadow of its opening.
Image Via Erebus Pictures
Its an interesting visual juxtaposition.
It uses Michael as an odd and unfitting substitute, and his character development is completely unearned.
She speaks to young Maria in their own language, with sing-songs and limericks.
Newcomer Saura Lightfoot Leon is given a lot to do and she takes it in her stride.
While the script is shaky for his character, he commits to every last bit, warts and all.
The ending ofHoardbacktracks on all the hard work it has put in.
Marias grief and falling further into hoarding are yes, absolutely tied, but deserving of their separate nuances.
That is until the ending but by then its too late.
It leaves a bad taste in the mouth, and not because youll be leaving the cinema feeling queasy.
Fantastic performances abound, with Leon an up-and-coming star and Quinn firmly breaking out of the Eddie Munson shadow.
However, its mishandling of mental illness and an unearned ending are too apparent to be ignored.
Cast
Hoardis now playing in theaters in the U.S. Click below for showtimes near you.
