X
- 2015
- R
- Anchor Bay Films
- 1 h 37 m
- 2015
- R
- Anchor Bay Films
- 1 h 37 m
Summary Heaven Knows What blends fiction, formalism and raw documentary as it follows a young heroin addict (Arielle Holmes) who finds mad love in the streets of New York. The film is based on Holmes’ soon-to-be-published memoir Mad Love in New York City. [RADiUS-TWC]
Directed By: Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie
Written By: Arielle Holmes, Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie
- 2015
- R
- Anchor Bay Films
- 1 h 37 m
- 2015
- R
- Anchor Bay Films
- 1 h 37 m
Heaven Knows What
75
6.5
Where to Watch
Summary Heaven Knows What blends fiction, formalism and raw documentary as it follows a young heroin addict (Arielle Holmes) who finds mad love in the streets of New York. The film is based on Holmes’ soon-to-be-published memoir Mad Love in New York City. [RADiUS-TWC]
Directed By: Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie
Written By: Arielle Holmes, Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 22 Critic Reviews
75
77% Positive
17 Reviews
17 Reviews
23% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 22 Critic Reviews
75
77% Positive
17 Reviews
17 Reviews
23% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Heaven Knows What, will not appeal to the majority of casual moviegoers. Likewise, I have no doubts regarding the film's remarkable achievement.
Heaven Knows What isn’t interested in merely exploring the world of New York City addicts. It wants to make their experiences felt, with the dissonant, amp-cracking roar of a punk anthem.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 30 User Ratings
6.5
60% Positive
18 Ratings
18 Ratings
23% Mixed
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
17% Negative
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 30 User Ratings
6.5
60% Positive
18 Ratings
18 Ratings
23% Mixed
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
17% Negative
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
Although it follows the lives **** of young, homeless heroin addicts in New York, this deeply unsettling film is far removed from the typical Hollywood “junkie flick.” I have known people like the characters it depicts, and I was immediately struck by the film’s raw authenticity. Only later did I learn that the directors hit on the idea for the film after befriending (becoming infatuated with?) Arielle Holmes, the lead actor who was then living on the streets; they encouraged her to write about her experiences, paying her by the page, and eventually convinced her to star along with her friends in a film adaptation of her writing. Despite what has been charitably described as a “nano budget,” “Heaven Knows What” is extremely well made. The score creates a sense of unease, and every shot in the film is expertly framed.
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"Heaven Knows What" é um filme muito estranho e confuso, mas ainda assim interessante.
7/10
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Heaven Knows What is a hard movie to recommend because of its unrelenting intensity and hideously depressing subject. It's a hard movie, period, but it's exceptionally well-made and beautiful in its execution.
Holmes may not have the polished technique of a formally trained actress, but she has an innate capacity for drama, and whether or not she can go on to play roles further removed from her own experience, she’s electrifying in this one.
The Safdie brothers capture a density of activity as endemic to the city as it is to Harley’s daily hustle. By tapping into her routines, instead of framing her along solely tragic lines, the filmmakers fashion a diary of experience that’s all the more absorbing.
Alas, the main thing that comes through in Heaven Knows What is that a junkie’s life is really, really monotonous.
The novelty of having a real homeless junkie play a version of herself drives Heaven Knows What, a gritty hand-held character portrait of heroin addict life in New York today.
A little bit weird but very interesting film. All in the name of love.
Watch it here for free: ****/watch-2767462-Heaven-Knows-What-online-free
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Homeless and drug addiction, with the backdrop of a little romance.
This film reminds me the Al Pacino's 'The Panic in Needle Park'. The independent filmmakers Safdie brothers directed it that inspired by the real life story of Arielle Holmes, who also starred in the lead role. This is definitely a depressing film, seeing those faces, eyes, makes sick. But a very realistic film, kind of aimless plot, till the final quarter and then with a small twist, the tale comes to an end.
I have seen it and if you ask me about the story, I say its hard to describe, but it can be only watched like a documentary film. Over ninety minutes, the film revealed the life of homeless people. Like from their day beginning to the nightfall, how they make it and their preferences. So it is not an inspiring film, though at least there's something you can learn about them.
After knowing the theme, I thought there would be lots of violence like ****, stealing, cops and maybe killing. Surprisingly, it was none of those, not exactly, except drug addiction and sometimes stealing to buy drugs. Looks like from this film, the actress got a breakthrough, particularly in her life. I hope its turnover from hereon. I appreciate the directors for that who made a difference in someone's life. Don't think it is a film for entertainment, watch it if you are interested in the documentary film. So it's not for everybody, but some will find it good or maybe decent.
6/10
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You've got to be prepared for what this movie is before going in. There's not some clear narrative direction to it - you're essentially following a woman and her cohorts as they're trying to score heroin and live their lives. It feels highly authentic, but it's not exactly entertaining, if that's what you're going for. It reminds me of Harmony Korine's films, notably Kids and Gummo. The lead "actress" is pretty amazing to watch, and her real life story is probably fodder for an excellent documentary.
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I have a true passion for heroin culture. This started when I was around 8 years old. Perhaps best to discuss this with my shrink but nonetheless I was very excited to see HEAVEN KNOWS WHAT, a grungy real tale of heroin addiction on the contemporary streets of NYC. Unfortunately, HEAVEN KNOWS WHAT is all cold examination, no depth or insights. A lot of screaming. I was drawn in but left cold and empty. If only that were intentional.
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Production Company
Iconoclast,
Elara Pictures,
Hardstyle
Release Date May 29, 2015
Duration 1 h 37 m
Rating R
Website
http://heaven-knows-what.com/
Awards
Gotham Awards
• 3 Nominations
Tokyo International Film Festival
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
Venice Film Festival
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
