Film Review: 'Huckleberry'

In 1999 Ohio, things are rough for Huckleberry "Huck" Golden (Daniel Fisher-Golden), a female-to-male transgender teen who is largely ostracized by his judgmental community. Reprieve comes in the form of Huck's close friend Jolene Graham (Sarah Ulstrup), a fellow outcast dealing with her estranged mother Toni (Jennifer Inks), and her drug-addled boyfriend Clint (Justin Rose).

For the longest time, Huck has nurtured a hidden crush on Jolene, and his protective nature regarding Jolene kicks in when he picks her up from a fight with Clint that's left her with a busted lip. Despite Jolene's assurances, Huck decides to retaliate against Clint—leading to a tragic and violent fallout. Can justice prevail in a town where the different are shunned—and will anyone walk away from this tragedy in tact?

Like the previously reviewed Ekaj, Huckleberry is a film that explores dark themes that are sure to resonate with many viewers. But as opposed to Ekaj, whose bleak mood had little (if any) lighter moments to break up the prevailing sense of darkness, Huckleberry is comparatively much more optimistic, and allows more room for the audience to breath between the film's heavier moments. Additionally, while Ekaj had cinematography that matched the grim atmosphere, and was set in a decrepit city, Huckleberry utilizes the beautiful countryside juxtaposed against a dark story speaking of many of life's harsh realities.

In regards to storytelling, however, Huckleberry quickly breaks away from any comparison that could be made about Ekaj, as Huckleberry is a great deal more story-driven than Ekaj. The film's utilization of deliberate pace works to the benefit of its focus on story, as it allows the viewer to become invested in Huck and Jolene's relationship, and watch in anticipation (and dread) of seeing how that bond will be tested. It also keeps the viewer in suspense regarding the exact direction of where the story is going, allowing for a few effective surprises for those who think they know where the plot is about to go.

The emotionally heavy plot is supported by its strong cast, with Daniel-Fisher Golden and Sarah Ulstrup displaying, through almost artful authenticity, the strength of Huck and Jolene's bond, in spite of their individual problems threatening to destroy it. Both also give their characters a fierceness that defies the tragic cards they're each dealt, allowing both Huck and Jolene to emerge as survivors rather than victims. Huck maintains a bold and open rebellion against the prejudice he faces throughout the entirety of the film, and even in her lowest moments, Jolene ultimately makes it clear that she is not a damsel in need of rescuing.

Huckleberry also boasts a strong supporting cast, with Justin Rose (aided by the film's well-handled plot twist) bringing complexity and depth to what I initially believed would be a routine "Abusive Boyfriend" archetype. Niguel Quinn is effectively ambiguous as Huck's friend Levon, allowing the viewer to have an understanding for his motivations even when he begins to drift from Huck as he starts his revenge mission against Clint. A surprise powerhouse of the bunch, however, comes in the form of Jahking Guillory as Huck's friend Will, who starts the film out as an effective comic relief character. But once the plot takes a sharp turn, Guillory allows for an emotionally packed side of Will to emerge, fulfilling the transition with intense strength that is bound to be felt by the viewer.

WARNING: Spoilers below

A lot of Huckleberry's effectiveness as a memorable film is the morally complex nature of its final act. While Clint is certainly a terrible person for what he does to Jolene, and it's understandable for her, Huck, and their friends to want him behind bars, Rose's portrayal of Clint and the ultimate reveal that he is not responsible for the assault on Huck can leave some wondering if they're really justified in allowing Clint to go to jail for a crime he didn't commit—or for allowing the true guilty party off the hook with nothing but a stern warning. While the final scene may seem like a happy ending for Huck and Jolene, Huckleberry brings compelling ambiguity to what could appear to an outsider to be an ideal conclusion.

Spoilers Over

A flaw in the film's otherwise strong character developments is Toni. With her first scenes having her calling her daughter a whore, and showing no concern over seeing Jolene with a bloodied lip, the film's later attempts to develop her into a flawed mother trying to reconnect with her daughter, and keep her from repeating the mistakes she made in her youth, fall flat. It also appeared that there was supposed to be some sort of conflict building between the gruff and vaguely bigoted Sheriff and the more level-headed and understanding Deputy (played respectively by Rick Montgomery Jr. and Daniel August Lopez), only for this dynamic to receive no development, or be shown beyond a few scenes.

Aside from that, Huckleberry is a surprising gem of an indie movie, delivering a powerful punch with its compelling story, strong cast and characterization, and an ending that will stick in your mind for a while as you ponder just how you feel about what went down. With its strengths far outweighing its missteps, Huckleberry is a strong movie that comes with my highest recommendation.

Score: 10 out of 10 smiley face stickers.

Huckleberry is available on Amazon Prime.