Hesher (2010)

Hesher is a gritty indie drama directed by Spencer Susser, blending raw emotion, dark comedy, and anarchic energy. It follows grief, loss, and the unexpected arrival of a destructive yet strangely liberating figure in a broken family’s life.

Detailed Summary

Introduction: A Family in Grief

The film begins with young T.J. Forney (Devin Brochu), who is mourning the sudden death of his mother. His father, Paul Forney (Rainn Wilson), has fallen into a deep depression, barely functioning, while T.J.’s grandmother (Piper Laurie) does her best to keep the household from collapsing.

Enter Hesher

Into this fragile situation bursts Hesher (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a long-haired, heavy-metal-loving drifter with a nihilistic worldview. He’s rude, violent, vulgar, and chaotic, but somehow worms his way into living with the Forneys. At first, he seems like the last person they need, but his presence begins shaking them out of paralysis.

Nicole’s Role

T.J. also befriends Nicole (Natalie Portman), a kind but struggling grocery store clerk. She offers him empathy and support, becoming a surrogate older sister figure. However, Hesher’s blunt presence disrupts even this bond, forcing T.J. to confront truths about life, love, and pain.

Chaos as Therapy

Hesher’s methods are unorthodox: he sets fire to things, destroys property, and uses bizarre, often vulgar stories as metaphors. Beneath the madness, his actions push T.J. and Paul to face their grief instead of drowning in it.

Movie Ending

The climax comes with the death of T.J.’s grandmother, which devastates the already fragile family. At the funeral, Paul is too emotionally numb to say anything. Surprisingly, Hesher steps forward and delivers an unforgettable eulogy. In his typically unfiltered way, he recounts a crude story about losing a testicle in an accident—something ridiculous at first but, ultimately, an allegory about loss and moving forward with what remains.

After the funeral, Hesher takes T.J. to the site of his mother’s fatal accident. In a symbolic and cathartic act, Hesher pushes the wrecked car into a junkyard pit. For T.J., this represents letting go of paralyzing grief.

The final moments show T.J. and his father reconnecting emotionally for the first time since the tragedy. Hesher, true to his nature, disappears without explanation, leaving behind only a cryptic “Thank You” note on the kitchen table. His role was never to stay but to ignite change.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Hesher does not feature any post-credits scenes. Once the credits roll, the story is complete.

Type of Movie

Hesher is best described as a drama with elements of dark comedy and indie grit. It mixes raw emotion with absurdity, offering an unconventional take on healing from loss.

Cast

• Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Hesher
• Devin Brochu as T.J. Forney
• Rainn Wilson as Paul Forney
• Natalie Portman as Nicole
• Piper Laurie as Grandma Madeleine

Film Music and Composer

The soundtrack prominently features heavy metal, especially Metallica songs, reflecting Hesher’s chaotic persona. Tracks like Motorbreath and Battery set the tone. The original score was composed by Francis and the Lights, balancing tender moments with raw energy.

Filming Locations

The movie was filmed primarily in Los Angeles, California. Suburban neighborhoods, grocery stores, and junkyards emphasize the ordinariness of the setting, contrasting with the extraordinary chaos Hesher brings.

Awards and Nominations

• Premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.
• Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.
• Though it didn’t win major awards, it was praised for its raw performances, particularly Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s fearless role.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Joseph Gordon-Levitt spent time with Metallica to secure rights to their songs; the band loved the film’s spirit.
• Natalie Portman also co-produced the film, helping bring it to life outside Hollywood’s studio system.
• The role of Hesher was partially inspired by a mix of heavy-metal icons and anarchic figures from Susser’s youth.

Inspirations and References

The film’s tone owes much to indie comic-book influences and darkly comedic films like Harold and Maude. The inclusion of Metallica’s music wasn’t just stylistic but philosophical—Hesher embodies their raw, aggressive energy.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Deleted scenes include extended interactions between T.J. and Nicole, as well as additional monologues from Hesher. However, no alternate ending was filmed; the ambiguous, bittersweet conclusion was always intended.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Hesher is an original screenplay and not based on a book, though its style feels inspired by graphic novel storytelling.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Hesher moving into the Forney house uninvited.
• Hesher setting a car on fire in broad daylight.
• Nicole breaking down after being humiliated at work.
• The funeral scene where Hesher gives his bizarre yet moving eulogy.
• The junkyard scene with the car being pushed into the pit.

Iconic Quotes

• Hesher: “Life is like walking in the rain… you can hide and take cover, or you can just get wet.”
• Hesher: “I lost my nut. But I kept going.”
• Nicole: “Sometimes it feels like the world’s against you.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Many of Hesher’s tattoos were drawn specifically to match Metallica artwork.
• The graffiti Hesher leaves behind often mirrors his crude but strangely philosophical mindset.
• The car wreck imagery ties symbolically to both T.J.’s grief and Hesher’s “scarred but surviving” metaphor.

Trivia

• Joseph Gordon-Levitt improvised much of his performance, adding to Hesher’s unpredictable energy.
• Natalie Portman was filming Black Swan around the same time; she described Hesher as a creative palate cleanser.
• The film’s low budget gave it a raw authenticity, shot in real homes rather than built sets.

Why Watch?

Watch Hesher if you’re interested in a raw, unconventional story about grief, chaos, and healing. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and at times hilarious, but underneath it all lies a surprisingly heartfelt core.

Director’s Other Movies

• I Love Sarah Jane (2008) – short film
• Hesher remains Spencer Susser’s most notable feature-length project.

Recommended Films for Fans

• Harold and Maude (1971)
• The Squid and the Whale (2005)
• Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
• Manchester by the Sea (2016)
• American History X (1998)