Castle in the Ground

I've lived life so the moment Ana asked Henry for $40, I was like "This is a horror Story if this guy doesn't completely and utterly cut this woman out of his life. He takes a hard fall and embraces drugs to deal with the pain...pushing people and healthy social structures out of his life. Despite the movie having some excellent intense scenes and a shockingly realistic look at what it is to be around drugs and addicts, complicated with a deal that went bad, it never really went anywhere but down. When Henry starts coming off hard to people he doesn't know in the addiction world? (I'm sorry...even a skinny, sheltered kid would know better than that.) It just looks weird and out of place. Imogen Poots did an amazing job of portraying an addict. The "Favors" that "Should" be reciprocated with cash (for drugs). The long stories where not so much is needed. The absolute anything for-a-fix desperation. The presuming too much and manipulating people by their conscience. This movie should be required watching at schools. Imogen's excellent performance makes this sad movie worth watching...but just barely. It would have been nice if Henry realized who he didn't want to be at some point...but that just never happened. It's not really a plot twist if there is no plot. Yet, fine...I'll put on "Spoilers" just in case someone gets upset that I gave away the "Ending".

This is a realistic portrayal of how it all happens. What a great movie. Drug use in case you're triggered. Otherwise highly recommended. Neve Campbell. Alex Wolff. Imogen Poots. WOWWWW.

Henry (Alex Wolff) is a good Jewish boy caring for his often in pain stage 4 mother. He promises to go to school after she dies. Instead upon her death, he becomes friends with Ana (Imogen Poots). Ana is hooked on pain killers and can not get a prescription anymore. Henry has some pills from his mother, which he has taken and has gotten hooked. They spend their time on a dead-end road that is not the stairway to heaven. Good drama. Slow at times. I ended up having more empathy for Ana than Henry who knew better. Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.

Neve Campbell does an excellent job, the rest of the cast does the best they can with the script given. Predictable story that takes waaaay too long to wade through.

Young actors tried their best to make this film relevant and inviting. The subject matter of pain medicine addiction was important. But the script was just too tedious to warrant my connection to the storyline or the characters. Cullen's performance was the bright spot near the end of the film which justified my determination to watch to the ending.

There are some movies that just destroy your will to live (in a good way - sort of). 'Castle in the Ground' is one of those films. It is so bleak and ominous and hopeless. The whole film you find yourself asking, what is there to live for? Of course there is plenty to live for for an ordinary person, but the film does such a good job of putting you in these character's shoes that you find yourself as depressed as they are. These aren't the types of films you want to find yourself watching all the time, but when a good one does come along it can be a rare treat. Alex Wolff is becoming synonymous with really dark films. I see his face on the poster now for anything and think, that's not going to be an easy watch. He is really good in the films too. He never over-acts or steals a scene. He simply gives intense and realistic performances that add immensely to the quality of the film. Imogen Poots had a big 2019. Four films she managed to star in and I have now seen them all. She is terrific in 'Castle in the Ground'. It is the best performance I have seen from her yet. I've known some people similar to her character and what she was going through and I can confirm she nailed it. The film is very dark. Almost the entire runtime takes place both at night, and in dimly lit venues. It doesn't ruin the film, however you do need to do a fair bit of squinting to work out exactly what is going on at times. Otherwise though, I really enjoyed this film. As I said, prepare yourself because it is not the easiest of watches. It is however a rewarding one if you are willing to stick with it. Give this one a look.

I have 0 doubt in my mind the '10 star reviews' are from people involved with this movie in some way. There is no way any person on earth enjoyed this movie; let alone thought it was a 10 star film. Terrible Awful Crap One of the worst films I have ever seen. Completely embarrassing for all involved Maybe it's time to stop now

I enjoyed this. showcased a small town canadian experience and the reality of the opioid crisis here. all the acting was great, no one fell short. Keir plays a character you don't expect, but once you get to know him a little more it all makes perfect sense. i love the way this was shot. beautiful visually and fully captures the emotion in every scene. the cinematographer is truly brilliant. writer/director said he was inspired by James White, so that should show anyone how much i enjoyed this movie. since James White is one of my absolute favourites of all time. i have a few little slight critiques (not even really critiques but just things i didn't like lol) but there's so much going on in every scene and so many emotions present that sometimes it all felt too rushed? like i didn't have time to sit in what i was feeling? and maybe that's the intention, just not my vibe. i like movies with room to breathe more. but that ending, oooof. now that gives so much room. Review by oliveigha tiff day one