Hesher
By Jeffrey M. Anderson,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Coming-of-age dramedy is too dark, edgy for kids.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Hesher
Community Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Booo - two thumbs down!
Funny but offensive
What's the Story?
After the death of his mother, 13-year-old T.J. (Devin Brochu) deals with his sadness and frustration by hurling a rock through a window of a construction site. This disturbs the squatter inside, Hesher (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who scares away the security guard by setting off a bomb. Not long after, Hesher moves into T.J.'s home, setting up residence with the boy's pill-popping father (Rainn Wilson) and doddering grandmother (Piper Laurie). Hesher proceeds with his old habits of listening to headbanger music, trashing things, setting things on fire, and watching porn. Meanwhile, T.J. befriends a poor, sad, waifish grocery clerk (Natalie Portman). Perhaps, hopefully, some of Hesher's influence will rub off in a good way.
Is It Any Good?
The movie boasts quite an astonishing performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. In his feature directorial debut, Spencer Susser creates a deadpan, lost, grungy world -- the perfect place for a creature like Hesher to have evolved. At one point, Hesher tells a story about a mouse that's introduced into a snake's cage and survives. It's clear that this metaphor applies to Hesher himself, but he's still a mysterious, magnetic, repellent, and alluring figure, stomping around, defiant, shirtless, and shoeless, with his long, greasy hair swaying from side to side and crude tattoos on display.
In an ordinary movie, Hesher would eventually help the family through their grief, and they would help him become a better person, but this dark film doesn't go anyplace quite that obvious or comfortable. Yet the movie does have a point, and the T.J. character is so sweet and sad that he provides an emotional touchpoint for the viewer.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Hesher's behavior. What might cause him to smoke, drink, destroy things, talk about sex, and do other iffy things? Does he have a good side? What kind of role model is he?
What are the consequences of having 13-year-old T.J. be exposed to Hesher and his actions? What kind of effect does it have on him? How does he deal with his troubles? How does he deal with the bully at school?
What are the movie's messages? Are they clear amid the characters' behavior?
Movie Details
- In theaters: May 13, 2011
- On DVD or streaming: September 12, 2011
- Cast: Devin Brochu , Joseph Gordon-Levitt , Natalie Portman , Rainn Wilson
- Director: Spencer Susser
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Newmarket Film Group
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 100 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: disturbing violent behavior, sexual content including graphic dialogue, pervasive language, and drug content - some in the presence of a child
- Last updated: December 10, 2023
Inclusion information powered by
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate