Heaven Knows What

Heaven Knows What

Year: 2015

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Joshua Safdie

Drama

In the gritty underbelly of New York City, a young woman's downward spiral into addiction is fueled by desperation and chaos. Arielle Holmes stars as a heroin addict, her days marked by aimless wandering and reckless abandon, as she struggles to survive alongside her enigmatic boyfriend in a world where hope seems lost.

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Timeline & Setting – Heaven Knows What (2015)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Heaven Knows What (2015). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The story unfolds in contemporary times, focusing on immediate challenges faced by individuals grappling with addiction and mental health. It highlights pressing social issues, such as homelessness and the opioid crisis, which resonate deeply in today's society.

Location

New York City, Miami

The movie is primarily set in the gritty, bustling streets of New York City, a place known for its vibrant culture and stark realities, especially the struggles of homelessness and addiction. New York serves as a backdrop to Harley's tumultuous life, reflecting both the harshness and fleeting moments of hope. Miami is introduced as a potential escape, representing dreams of a fresh start away from the chaos.

🏙️ City 🏖️ Beach

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:56

Main Characters – Heaven Knows What (2015)
Meet the key characters of Heaven Knows What (2015), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Harley

Harley is a troubled young woman grappling with heroin addiction and the challenges of homelessness. Her vulnerability and desperation highlight her yearning for love and stability, driving her actions throughout the film. As she oscillates between hope and despair, Harley embodies the struggles faced by many in similar circumstances.

👩‍🎤 Protagonist 🚬 Addict 😢 Vulnerable

Ilya

Ilya is a flawed character whose own struggles with addiction complicate his relationship with Harley. His callousness juxtaposed with moments of tenderness reflects the chaotic nature of love in the context of addiction. Ilya's actions ultimately lead to tragic consequences, highlighting the destructive cycle of dependency.

👨‍🎤 Antagonist 💔 Troubled 🔥 Tragic

Mike

Mike is a small-time drug dealer who serves as Harley’s temporary support. He represents a conflicting element in her life, offering both companionship and further entrapment within addiction. His frustration with Harley’s feelings for Ilya adds tension and complexity to their relationship.

👨‍🦲 Supportive 💊 Dealer 😡 Frustrated

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:56

Major Themes – Heaven Knows What (2015)
Explore the central themes of Heaven Knows What (2015), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love & Loss

The film explores the complexities of love intertwined with addiction, demonstrating how dependency can distort relationships. Harley's deep connection with Ilya is marred by betrayal and tragedy, ultimately leading to profound grief. This theme highlights the bittersweet nature of love when compounded by external struggles.

🌧️ Despair

Despair permeates Harley's life as she navigates rejection, addiction, and the threat of self-harm. The film poignantly captures her battles against not just societal judgment but also her internal demons, making her journey a stark reflection of desperation and the search for connection.

🌀 Addiction

Addiction serves as a central theme, illustrating how it can consume lives and distort realities. The characters' reliance on substances deeply affects their relationships and decision-making, showcasing the cyclical nature of addiction and recovery. Harley’s struggles underscore the urgent need for compassion and support for those ensnared by addiction.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:56

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