FilmSnobReviews

Title: Bad Hurt
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Matt Kemble
Starring: Ashley Williams, Johnny Whitworth, Karen Allen
Runtime: 1 hr 41 mins

What It Is: Todd Kendall’s (Theo Rossi) family is as dysfunctional as it gets. His mother Elaine (Allen) is an enabler to his drug-addicted former Marine brother Kent (Whitworth) and his mentally disabled sister DeeDee (Iris Gilad). Todd’s father Ed (Michael Harney) cycles through life by not living it, wandering through an ennui at his own existence. When tragedy strikes them they’ll grow as a family or fall apart in their own dysfunction. All of this while Todd struggles to pass the entrance exam for his dream job as a police officer.

What We Think: There’s a lot to like in here. First of all, it’s a small picture, but it is that size that adds to the intimacy of the narrative told. It’s a family affair one that has brilliant acting. Theo Rossi shows range. Karen Allen breaks your heart and Michael Harney rips at your emotions. Really the only true disaster in the acting is Iris Gilad and Johnny Whitworth who are overacting the heck out of their roles. Kemble is simple in his hand behind the camera, this is absolutely the exact thing this movie needed. It stays small, it maintains its fly on the wall mentality.

Our Grade: B-, This is really and truly a good film. There’s good stuff here that could have been elevated by some crisper acting by two of the mid-level characters. If you get the chance to catch this film you should most certainly do so. It’s an interesting character study even if one small storyline never seems to go anywhere. It tells a story that may not appeal to some, but all can relate to. If you have a dysfunctional family that is one that will touch you ever so slightly.