As a film enthusiast who’s spent more than a few years traversing the labyrinthine world of indie cinema, I can confidently say that Hoard is one of those rare gems that leaves an indelible mark on your soul. The film premiered at the 2023 Venice International Film Festival and rightfully snatched several awards, with Saura Lightfoot-Leon’s performance as Maria being a standout.
Hoard left a lasting impression at the Venice International Film Festival in 2023, winning multiple accolades such as Best Directing and Screenwriting (Authors Under 40 Award), the Verona Film Club Award, The Film Club Audience Award, and a Jury Special Mention for its lead actress, Saura Lightfoot-Leon. In this film, Saura portrays a foster home teenager who is unexpectedly faced with her past, as her mother was a hoarder. On screen, Saura’s presence is powerful as she navigates the complicated relationship with her mother’s hoarding history
This movie is incredibly impactful in every aspect. While some of its characters might not seem particularly relatable, one recurring theme is the exploration of grief and trauma. Writer/director Luna Carmoon skillfully intertwines this theme throughout her first feature film, although it can feel a bit fragmented at times. Despite these moments, it’s still an awe-inspiring viewing experience. It’s both heartrending and hopeful. It raises questions about the possibility of escaping our difficult pasts. Perhaps we don’t always have to default to replaying those experiences?
Grabs the Audience from the Onset
The movie Hoard starts off as a chilling portrayal of confinement. Living amidst their cluttered household, Maria (Lily-Beau Leach) and her mother (Hayley Squires) transform part of their living room into a makeshift wonderland using bedsheets. They spend most nights in a bathtub. Every day feels like Christmas to them, filled with excitement for the new items they can collect. Their excursions frequently take them to South East London, where they search through discarded objects such as crumpled paper, balled-up tin foil, and assorted trash. Despite the abundance of these possessions, their lives seem meager in comparison to the vast opportunities that lie untapped
Luna Carmoon, as both director and writer, skillfully portrays complex subtleties that prove effective throughout the film. Initially, it’s unclear if the movie maintains the same disjointed tempo exhibited in its opening scenes. However, this is not the case. Instead, the initial segments seem overly packed with physical elements but brimming with imaginative possibilities for the mother and daughter. The atmosphere takes a turn for the better due to a 10-year time leap, which places teenage Maria (portrayed exceptionally well by Saura Lightfoot-Leon) in a more structured and spacious foster home environment. Over time, her physical surroundings become increasingly ordered, while her emotional world starts to contract into turmoil and despair
In this case, Maria finds herself reflecting on her past due to Michael’s influence. A former resident of the foster home, he returns unexpectedly, bringing happiness to Michelle, their foster mom. Maria and Michael instantly feel a connection, sparking memories and passions from her childhood. However, as she delves into her past, she unearths lingering emotions related to abandonment, loss, sorrow, and pain that had never been fully addressed. Consequently, she starts acting out secretly, emulating aspects of her former life
When Trauma Knocks on Your Door
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In the second part of the movie, there’s an impactful moment that stirs Maria profoundly, compelling her to face her past. The director handles this delicately. The scene is understated, but it powerfully portrays how lingering trauma can suddenly resurface and buzz with intensity like a live wire
As a movie enthusiast, I must admit that the scenes shared by Lily-Beau Leach and Joseph Quinn are raw, authentic, and incredibly heart-wrenching. Michael, much like myself, carries a history fraught with turmoil, and his decisions often leave me pondering their wisdom. In many ways, he mirrors Maria’s mother in his struggle with codependency. The filmmaker masterfully portrays the relentless yearning encapsulated within “must have.” For Michael, this longing is unexpectedly transformed into Maria. For Maria, it’s a mother she never truly had the chance to bid farewell to
A Different Kind of Coming-of-Age Film
If you enjoy films that deliver a strong emotional punch, such as coming-of-age dramas like “Boyhood” and “Boy Erased,” then you should consider watching “Hoard.” This movie skillfully portrays time, place, mood, and character in a way that resonates. The supporting cast, particularly Maria’s friend Laraib (Deba Hekmat), offers standout performances. Laraib’s presence and her affection serve as a stark contrast to Maria’s past and, though it may not be immediately apparent, her inner world
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2024-09-06 02:03