User reviews

I saw Good Time a couple of years ago, and to make a joke that absolutely everybody who saw and enjoyed it has already made: it was a good time. Tense, gritty, and excellently paced, it also piqued my interest in the Safdie brothers as filmmakers going forward. Uncut Gems has been on my radar for a while, and I'll finally have the opportunity to see it in a few days, but in the meantime went back into their filmography to see what else they had to offer. The interesting premise and critical acclaim of Heaven Knows What grabbed my attention, and so I gave it a watch last night.

Throughout much of the film, I thought it was pretty decent if not quite remarkable. It looked good and was shot well for an indie film, the music made me feel queasy in a good way, and the central performance from lead actress Arielle Holmes- who I did not recognise- was very good. I was surprised to learn once the movie was over that not only was this loosely based on a true story, but that it was indeed Holmes' story- she effectively played as version of herself throughout the movie. And this made me appreciate her performance even more- it was brave of her to relive such a traumatic story on screen, and even if she was acting situations close to what she experienced, the fact that this was her first time acting is still mightily impressive. I was under the impression while watching that she was just an unknown, freshly discovered actress, albeit a very good one. This semi-autobiographical, almost meta twist is definitely the most interesting and notable aspect of the film.

Besides that, is Heaven Knows What worth the 90-ish minutes of grit and potential trauma? I would say yes, but don't expect to see anything you haven't seen or heard already in most movies that depict drug addiction. It treads familiar ground but does so well, although by and large the acting from the rest of the cast isn't quite as strong as Holmes'. There is also a loose, not exactly propulsive unfolding of events that serve as a vague kind of story, so while this is somewhat frustrating, it's also almost definitely intentional. It depicts the flow and tedium of a life that's all about trying to score the next high; a life that is surely 99% frustrating, tedious, and stress-inducing. It doesn't make for a pleasant watch, but it does make for a mostly compelling one.

The treading of familiar ground and not excelling in anywhere but the casting of/performance of Holmes is the only thing that holds this back. The Safdie Brothers were likely still tweaking their craft that they'd essentially end up perfecting in Good Time, but this is a really solid effort, and worth watching if you either haven't seen many movies about drug addiction, or are okay with watching one that might not necessarily tell you anything new about the topic.

Before hitting the big time with "Good Time", the Safdie Brothers made this uncompromising Indie gem about heroin addicts in New York based on the real-life experiences of leading actress Arielle Holmes. "Heaven Knows What" is like a 21st century version of "Panic in Needle Park" and it deserves to be just as well known. It's certainly not an easy watch but Holmes and co-stars Caleb Landry Jones and Buddy Duress are superb and you can tell the Safdies definitely had a future ahead of them. This might be off-kilter and low budget but it feels as if they had been making films for years. As "Good Time" finally showed, they have an unerring visual sense even when dealing with material as downbeat and as depressing as this and some scenes almost have a look of magic realism to them. With Holmes virtually playing herself we could just as easily be watching a documentary. The Brothers also inject a good deal of humanity into the material so while it is certainly depressing it never feels exploitative.

This is an incredible touching, intimate and stark film. You follow a young woman, who seems so fragile lost in a world we all fear filled with drugs, hopelessness and even more frightening: Love. We've all seen the passionate and outlandish arguments on the street between people that call it home, but we disregard it all as fleeting and inhuman. This film puts a human face to the people we turn away from so quickly. I commend the filmmakers for not making heroin sexy. It's a sad disease you contract that's taken three of my close friends. This film helps us better understand drug abuse and the people stuck in that cycle. It couldn't have felt more real.

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

This film reminds me the Al Pacino's 'The Panic in Needle Park'. The independent filmmakers Safdie brothers directed it that inspired by the real life story of Arielle Holmes, who also starred in the lead role. This is definitely a depressing film, seeing those faces, eyes, makes sick. But a very realistic film, kind of aimless plot, till the final quarter and then with a small twist, the tale comes to an end.

I have seen it and if you ask me about the story, I say its hard to describe, but it can be only watched like a documentary film. Over ninety minutes, the film revealed the life of homeless people. Like from their day beginning to the nightfall, how they make it and their preferences. So it is not an inspiring film, though at least there's something you can learn about them.

After knowing the theme, I thought there would be lots of violence like rapes, stealing, cops and maybe killing. Surprisingly, it was none of those, not exactly, except drug addiction and sometimes stealing to buy drugs. Looks like from this film, the actress got a breakthrough, particularly in her life. I hope its turnover from hereon. I appreciate the directors for that who made a difference in someone's life. Don't think it is a film for entertainment, watch it if you are interested in the documentary film. So it's not for everybody, but some will find it good or maybe decent.

6/10

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.

Truly didn't expect anything out of this, which is why it was such a huge surprise. I don't think its flawless, but effective it surely is. I feel like its style is definitely going to out off a lot of people (quite a lot actually). I mean, even from the get-go it basically affirms the type of film it'll be and how it'll be presented, with its loud, throbbing score (which is both beautiful as an individual piece, but also really disturbing in the context of the film). The performances here are compelling, all of the main actors totally and fully committed. Arielle Holmes is a true talent though, what a fantastic performance. Raw and real and totally honest, no artifice or anything. This film is fully recommended.

An early Safdie Brothers (Benny & Josh) film from 2014. Following on the heels of Larry Clarke's seminal 1995 film Kids, we follow the ups & mostly downs of a drug addict (played by Arielle Holmes whose novel this film is adapted from) as she tries to cop drugs, panhandle & find some sort of balance w/the love of her life, played by Caleb Landry Jones (Banshee from X-Men: First Class). After her man dares her to slash her wrists (which she does after we assume she promised to but never really sealed the deal) she gets bandaged up in a hospital & instead of taking that opportunity to clean up her act she just dumps herself back on the street where she hooks up w/a user/dealer & they spend time together where they do whatever they can to get themselves fixed up but once Jones comes back into the picture (at one point he throws a homemade ninja star at Holmes' new guy injuring him & in a later episode Holmes comes to his rescue when he nearly OD's in a public restroom). Not for the faint of heart or for those who may've been open minded about drug use or whatever when they were younger but seeing this documentary styled voyage into listlessness (many of the actors are shot from a distance giving the film an authentic feel to the proceedings) but as an exercise in filmmaking it can be equal parts exciting & depressing.

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.

The story in itself is very disturbing. I had to say these actors did a sensational job. I felt like I was there living on the streets with them. They were extremely convincing.

Good filming, realistic and harsh, good acting specially the girl, but not an appealing story, I paused several times because I was bored.

I may have missed it, sure. But this movie, IMO, was neither evocative or poignant, just grim and lacking

to me if a movie is going to try and make a statement it must be truly thought provoking on some topic.... that topic escapes me here.

Also many reviewers gave the movie some credit for its artistic choices - which I hated. The music, in particular, was consistently off-putting, distracting, and just plain annoying. I'd rather I hadn't watched it....

I really do agree with the guy who gave this 2 but hes wrong inna way. Requiem for a dream is a must see and also a classic if you want to know about drug addiction, but to actually understand it, feel it, live it for 2/4 hours watch requiem then watch "Never die alone" with dmx, not the greatest movie but "real life situations" ... I give this movie a 7 40 minutes in cause I respect life and I actually know and understand what and how these people went down.. solid 6 about life, I give it a 7.. hate me if u want!! diborja🍻🤠

Although it follows the lives of a group of young, homeless heroin addicts in New York, this deeply unsettling film is far removed from the typical Hollywood "junkie flick." I have known people like the characters it depicts, and I was immediately struck by the film's raw authenticity. Only later did I learn that the directors hit on the idea for the film after befriending (becoming infatuated with?) Arielle Holmes, the lead actor who was then living on the streets; they encouraged her to write about her experiences, paying her by the page, and eventually convinced her to star along with her friends in a film adaptation of her writing. Despite what has been charitably described as a "nano budget," "Heaven Knows What" is extremely well made. The score creates a sense of unease, and every shot in the film is expertly framed.

This is so real that makes Trainspotting looks childish and sanitized.

This film is a remarkably harrowing character study. Most of the time, the plot takes a back seat- it doesn't go much further than Harley trying to get money or drugs- but the plot is not the thing that drives this story; what drives the story is the tumultuous, destructive chemistry between characters. This film gives us a passenger car filled with characters to care about, and all of them are barreling blindly towards an inevitable train wreck, and honestly, it's impossible to look away. Arielle Holmes does an amazing job portraying Harley, which makes sense considering the character is based on her life experiences. As she wanders through the streets, bleary-eyed and dejected, continuously making decisions that will sink her further into her habit and further into trouble, we can't help but feel sorry for her. She inspires so much sympathy, but at the same time so much frustration. She is a beautifully broken schismatic character searching for redemption, and this film is an incredible odyssey to experience. For our full review of "Heaven Knows What".

Movie felt like it was going round in circles never arriving anywhere, which I get is the point here seeing as it depicts heroin addicts. Still, from a viewer's perspective it becomes quite tedious.

Lol, I was scrolling around on netflix, my friend lent me his code for a spell, and I thought, this seems interesting, pray don't ask why for I do not know... but after finishing it, I realized it was very very interesting and fun and entertaining. I learnt a lot about drugs and street-survival out in the concrete jungle. What amazes me, is how tenuous this drug habit is, how expensive, how difficult to mantain and function whilst on it, how incredibly invalid one becomes under its indiscriminating, insensible, very conspicuous claws, for the paradox is, one who is on the streets needs to be spry and savvy at all times yet this drug which is very expenive and can kill you, brings you under a terrific spell for quite a while, a spell in which one is wadding as if in a bog mug or heavy fog perhaps, its awful, I don't see how this drug fits into the runaway out on the streets lifestyle , its so difficult to understand. But one thing I do understand is this film showed me in ways that were fun, and interesting and very very very entertaining, there was a really neat artsy scene where a boy throws a phone up into the sky and it looks like it goes out past our stratosphere and explodes like a fireworks, very very cool, shows how creative these people are who worked on this, I would encourage anyone who wants to do something fun and artsy to watch this , it lends to reaching deeper into our creative side and just letting go... but in this film, I would say, especially if you are young and healthy and have your whole life ahead of you, "let go and let god!" I can understand doing this to yourself if you don't have a choice, if you are bonded to torture and death but if you are free , life can be wonderful , one day at a time! Thank you , I love you...

Heaven Knows What is a depressingly lucid look at addiction, homelessness and desperation. The emotional turmoil, the dialog. Without it sounding cheesy, but everything felt so real. Edging on feeling like a true documentary at times. It's not easy to watch as it feels unrefined from the outside, but it is expertly crafted.

Directing is strong here, it's committed to drawing you into the state of mind that the people are in, it's claustrophobic and messy, mirroring the lives being lived, it creates this tunnel vision feeling. Their own little world, in which the big world runs around and avoids. There are some shots that feel truly like a documentary, filmed from a bit of distance, behind something, secretively spying on the lives of these people. Overall it creates a strong presence of being there with the characters.

The casting and characters are the highlight of the movie. Incredibly casting, and much more incredible performances all around. Just genuine, it felt genuine. And never anything else. Now reading a bit of the backstory, it's starting to make sense how they achieved this, the genuine feeling and performance.

Music is interesting, it's certainly something, weird, but intriguing. That said it's not a main element of the movie I would consider important. The movie could've been without music all together and have been just as good. It's the dreaded world these characters live in that provides enough of the ''music''.

This was a interesting movie to have seen. It's strong, though has some flaws. Memorable, but not something I'd ever consider watching again, just because it's so raw and real. I think it definitely provides some context and thought/feelings the next time you walk around a homeless/addicted person, besides the regular thoughts.

Essentially it's simply a hyper-naturalistic film, a genre that's well established. It has no story to speak of, no particularly likeable character, and emulates the look of a documentary by using non-actor and real-life events as plot devices to punctuate its mercyfully short hour and half.

Sadly, apart from the excellent (and gloomy) ending, it didn't do it for me. It's not that it's bad - it's just that so many movies beat it at its own games: "It's only the end of the world" does a far better job at viewer alienation through a cacophony of dialogue for example.

Its weakest point is the absolute lack of story - where you have masterpieces like "Enemy" or "Upstream Color" that deliver powerful narratives without ever using a hint of exposition through dialog or 'flashbacks'.

"Heaven Knows What" cannot be accused of over-exposition, but has no story - it feels like it missed its own trick throughout, despite a near-perfect delivery in terms of production. The tired topic and transposition to NYC from the more quiet Bayonne are aslo both hurt the movie further.

5/10.

Realistic except almost every character is too good looking to be believable. I'm sure they'll be showing this in rehabs someday. Highly reminiscent of Larry Clark's movies. Scored well.