By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3 cats
Director: Kris Rey
Starring: Caleb Hearon | Holmes | Jaboukie Young-White | Jacki Weaver | Zooey Deschanel
Year: 2026
Running time: 90
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34784974/
Michael says: “My biggest disappointment so far, TRASH MOUNTAIN was a good movie, but I was hoping for something great. When Gavin’s father dies, he must leave his queer community in Chicago to return to rural Missouri to help his sister and grandmother deal with the funeral arrangements. Once there they discover that their father was a hoarder, and while Gavin yearns only to go back to his life in Chicago, his sister fears that the relationship they share will dissolve and she will never see him again.
‘The movie purports to be quite funny and quippy, and judging by the audience the reaction it was, but much of the humor fell flat for me, feeling to obvious, or of the type where the joke deliveries are supposed to show how clever the reciter is. It was great to see Zooey Deschanel back on the screen as Gavin’s sister, Abbi. Jacki Weaver is also fun as their over-the-top grandmother. Co-screenwriter Caleb Hearon based the film on his own family experience, and also played Gavin, and I do wonder if, had someone else played Gavin, it would have worked better. The parts focusing on grief were well done and well-acted, and overall I liked the film just fine. 3 cats
“Screened at Scotiabank Theater, Saturday, 9/12, director, Caleb Hearon, and Zooey Deschanel in attendance.”