#Without Heaven Knows What We Wouldn’t Have Uncut Gems

“Heaven Knows What” is the type of movie that pulls you into a very specific world and doesn’t let you go until you almost feel like you’ve lived through it yourself. It has big “Toad Road” energy, big “Kids” energy, and it definitely shares a foundation with that classic Smashing Pumpkins video, “Try, Try, Try.” 

This is to say, if you’re emotionally prepared to be emotionally wrecked, then you’re ready to watch this movie! The story goes that the Safdie brothers discovered lead actress Arielle Holmes when she herself was an unhoused heroin addict. They persuaded her to write a book about her life experiences, titled “Mad Love in New York City,” which heavily inspired “Heaven Knows What.”

While this might be Holmes’ first acting gig, she is a kinetic force of energy. You can’t help but be drawn to her even as she makes questionable decision after questionable decision. Even when you want to look away, her performance is pure pathos. You might be able to divert your eyes, but you’re going to feel every single thing she’s feeling, whether you want to or not.