Hellion

Grief and responsibility are the two central themes in this low-key family drama from promising writer/director Kat Candler. Since the death of his mother, 13-year-old Jacob (newcomer Josh Wiggins) has turned delinquent and become a bad influence on his impressionable younger brother, Wes (Deke Garner). Making matters worse, the boys' father (Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul) is so consumed by loss that he is unable to take care of them properly. Eventually, child services place Wes in the custody of his well-adjusted aunt (Juliette Lewis). This is a relatively standard indie offering, but Candler imbues it with an appealing sense of naturalism and authenticity. Paul provides an affecting display of raw emotion as the boozy, beard-sporting widower, while Wiggins is outstanding as the angry youngster.