Click Here >> Watch/Download Heaven Knows What 2015 Online
The Dark yet Realistic Storyline
“Heaven Knows What” is a 2014 American drama film directed by Josh and Benny Safdie. The story focuses on the life of a homeless girl named Harley, played by Arielle Holmes, who is addicted to heroin.
The film depicts the harsh realities of addiction and the struggles that come with it. We get to see how Harley’s addiction affects her relationships with everyone around her, including her boyfriend Ilya, who is also a heroin user.
The Safdie brothers brilliantly captured the essence of street life in New York City, showing us the daily struggles of those living on the fringes of society.
An Unconventional Plot
The plot of “Heaven Knows What” is not straightforward. It’s not your typical Hollywood movie where everything is laid out for you from beginning to end. Instead, the story unfolds in bits and pieces, leaving you wondering what’s going to happen next.
What makes this movie unique is that it has no real climax or resolution. The characters just continue to exist in their own little world, doing whatever they can to survive.
This unconventional approach might put off some viewers who are used to more traditional storytelling methods. However, if you give this movie a chance and let yourself be absorbed into its gritty world, you’ll find that it’s an unforgettable experience.
The Real-Life Cast
One of the things that make “Heaven Knows What” so special is its casting. The Safdie brothers didn’t go with well-known actors but instead opted to use real-life street kids to play the characters in the movie.
Arielle Holmes, who plays Harley, was once a homeless junkie herself. Caleb Landry Jones, who plays Ilya, is known for his unconventional film roles and brings a lot of depth to his character.
This casting choice adds authenticity to the movie and makes it even more powerful. You can see that the actors are not just playing characters but are actually reliving their own experiences through the film.
A Quote That Resonates
One of the most memorable quotes from “Heaven Knows What” comes from Harley’s diary entry:
“I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I know that today I’ll stay high.”
This quote perfectly encapsulates Harley’s mindset and her inability to escape her addiction. It’s a poignant reminder of how addiction can take over one’s life and leave them stranded in a cycle of self-destruction.
The Impactful Acting and Characters
The acting in “Heaven Knows What” is raw and emotional. The actors deliver powerful performances that make you feel like you’re right there with them on the streets. Arielle Holmes, in particular, shines as Harley.
Her portrayal of a young woman struggling with addiction is both heartbreaking and mesmerizing. You can feel the pain and desperation in every word she speaks and every move she makes.
Ilya, played by Caleb Landry Jones, is also a compelling character. He’s charming, yet troubled, and his relationship with Harley is filled with ups and downs.
The Historical Relevance
“Heaven Knows What” is an important film because it sheds light on a social issue that has been prevalent for decades. Homelessness and drug addiction are not new problems in society, but they’re often overlooked or disregarded.
The film shows us that these issues are not something that can be solved overnight but are deeply rooted in the fabric of society. It’s a wake-up call to everyone who has turned a blind eye to the suffering of those around them.
Critics’ Scores and Popularity
“Heaven Knows What” received mostly positive reviews from critics. The movie currently has a 77% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 69 reviews.
The movie may not have been widely popular, but it did earn critical acclaim and received several awards nominations, including the Grand Prix at the 2014 Deauville American Film Festival.
My Personal Evaluation
I watched this movie without any expectations, but I was blown away by it. The rawness and authenticity of the film made me feel like I was watching a documentary rather than a fictional movie.
There were moments where I felt uncomfortable, but that’s what makes this movie so powerful. It’s not meant to make you feel good or entertained, but to leave a lasting impression on your mind.
The acting was phenomenal, and Arielle Holmes deserves recognition for her performance. I could feel her pain and desperation in every scene she played.
The Cinematography That Captures the Gritty Reality
The cinematography in “Heaven Knows What” is stunning. The Safdie brothers used handheld cameras to create a sense of intimacy with the characters and an immersive experience for viewers.
The film captures the gritty reality of living on the streets of New York City. It shows us the dark corners of society that we sometimes choose to ignore.
A Critical Analysis
“Heaven Knows What” has been praised for its rawness and authenticity, but some critics have criticized it for being too bleak and depressing.
While it’s true that this movie is not meant to be a feel-good film, it’s still an important piece of art. It sheds light on issues that need attention and shows us a side of society that we often ignore or judge harshly.
The Special Effects and Soundtracks That Compliment the Story
“Heaven Knows What” doesn’t have any flashy special effects or grand soundtracks. Instead, it relies on natural sounds and music to create the mood of the film.
The music in the movie is composed by composer Paul Grimstad and adds to the gritty atmosphere of the film. The rawness of the sound complements the rawness of Harley’s life.
The Dialogue That Speaks Volumes
The dialogue in “Heaven Knows What” is not always easy to follow, but that’s intentional. The characters speak in a way that reflects their street life, using slang and phrases that might be unfamiliar to some viewers.
However, if you give yourself time to acclimate to their language, you’ll find that their words are full of meaning and depth. The dialogue adds another layer of authenticity to the movie and makes it even more powerful.
The Crews Behind This Movie
“Heaven Knows What” was directed by Josh and Benny Safdie. The brothers also co-wrote the screenplay with Ronald Bronstein.
The film was produced by Oscar Boyson, Sebastian Bear-McClard, and Terry Dougas. It was shot by cinematographer Sean Price Williams and edited by Benny Safdie.
The Gossip Surrounding the Movie
As “Heaven Knows What” was based on Arielle Holmes’s real-life experiences, it sparked some controversy. Some people criticized the movie for exploiting her struggles with addiction.
However, others praised the filmmakers for shining a light on an important issue and giving voice to those who are often silenced.
A Story that Stays with You
“Heaven Knows What” is not an easy movie to watch. It’s gritty, raw, and emotional. But it’s also an important piece of art that should be seen by anyone who wants to understand the struggles of those living on the fringes of society.
This movie will stay with you long after it’s over. It will make you think about your own life and how you can be more aware of those around you who might need help.