Holler
In a forgotten pocket of Southern Ohio where American manufacturing and opportunity 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 in order 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 by night. With her goal in sight, Ruth finds that the ultimate cost of an education for a girl like her may be more than she bargained for, and she soon finds herself torn between a promising future and the family she would leave behind.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman named Ruth leaves her prison sentence early to find her mother gone and her younger sister left to care for herself. While trying to find her way in the world, she takes on a job as a "blueliner" selling poultry and other goods door-to-door in rural Ohio. Facing hardship and betrayal, Ruth must navigate her own survival while trying to protect her sister.
Critical Reception
Holler received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising its raw portrayal of working-class struggles and the performances of its cast, particularly Paca Thomas. The film was noted for its authentic depiction of economic hardship and the resilience of its characters.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its gritty realism and authentic depiction of rural poverty.
- The performances, especially by lead Paca Thomas, are a significant strength.
- Some critics found the narrative to be bleak and occasionally slow-paced.
Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's honest and unflinching look at hardship and its strong lead performance. Some viewers found the story to be emotionally taxing but ultimately rewarding.
Fun Fact
Director Nicolette DiCello drew inspiration from her own experiences and observations of working-class communities in Ohio for the film's setting and themes.
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