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Writer/director Kat Candler’s HELLION paints the powerful portrait of a family on the brink of dissolution set against the haunting backdrop of the refineries of Southeast Texas.

Obsessed with heavy metal, dirt bike racing and partaking in the occasional act of vandalism with his band of delinquents, the behavior of 13-year-old Jacob Wilson (Josh Wiggins in his feature film debut) has begun to raise concerns around town, especially when it starts to involve his younger brother Wes (newcomer Deke Garner). While the boys’ father Hollis (two-time Emmy Award-winner Aaron Paul) loves his sons, he is still reeling from the loss of their mother, spending more time drowning his sorrows at the local bar and working on his damaged beach house than being an active parent. 

When the local authorities catch wind of the increasingly volatile situation, Wes is taken into custody by his Aunt Pam (Academy Award nominee Juliette Lewis), leaving Jacob and Hollis to fend for themselves. In Wes’ absence, Jacob becomes increasingly obsessed with two things: winning a local motocross championship and getting his brother back. Writer / Director Candler drops by to talk about this gritty drama and the great ensemble acting of her cast.

For more news and screenings go to: ifcfilms.com/

SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2014**

SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST FILM FESTIVAL 2014 – SXSW Gamechanger Award

“Lyrical doesn’t have to be quiet and atonal. With Hellion, Kat Candler proves heavy metal works too… Hellion is beautiful and harrowing. [Wiggins] is a revelation, reminiscent of a teenage Leonardo DiCaprio in his breakout role in This Boy’s Life.”
– Lindsey Bahr, Entertainment Weekly



“An artful exploration of small-town America’s working poor that packs a real emotional punch.”
– Scott Foundas, Variety



“The ability to write and direct in this way is something I don’t see enough of in independent film, and it marks Candler as not just a filmmaker to watch, but one who’s landed, and is here to take us along for the ride with her.”
– Kim Voynar, Movie City News
 


“Boasts a stunning breakthrough performance from newcomer Josh Wiggins.”
– Peter Debruge, Variety



“This film, and breakout star Wiggins, will break your heart… Filled with insightful writing and directing by Kat Candler that really gets to the heart of father-son-relationships.”
– Erin La Rosa, Buzzfeed