Year: 2012
Runtime: 95 min
Language: English
Director: Derick Martini
Fleeing a difficult past in her hometown, a teenage girl sets out for Las Vegas seeking a fresh start and independence. Along the way, she meets Eddie, a mysterious drifter with his own agenda, and Glenda, a woman on the run from her own secrets. As they journey together, the trio faces unexpected dangers and confronts their individual struggles, exploring themes of self-discovery and the possibility of redemption.
Get a spoiler-free look at Hick (2012) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the wide‑open stretches of the American heartland, a restless teenager feels the weight of a small town that has never quite fit her. Luli watches the familiar streets from the edge of a schoolyard, already dreaming of a place where she might finally write her own story. The film opens with a quiet, almost aching atmosphere that blends the starkness of Nebraska’s plains with the restless hum of a young mind yearning for freedom. A sense of unease hangs over every scene, hinting at the personal ghosts she carries while suggesting that the road ahead could be both her salvation and her greatest test.
When Luli decides to chase a glittering advertisement for a fresh start in Las Vegas, the journey becomes a road‑movie canvas for self‑discovery. Along the way she encounters Eddie, a wandering drifter whose quiet confidence masks hidden motives, and Glenda, a mysterious woman on the run from her own past. Their brief, uneasy camaraderie adds layers of intrigue, as each character carries a blend of vulnerability and concealed strength that fuels both tension and unexpected moments of tenderness. The trio’s dynamic hints at a delicate balance between trust and suspicion, inviting the audience to wonder how far they’ll let each other influence their paths.
The tone is a mix of gritty realism and lingering melancholy, underscored by a subtle, almost lyrical visual style that captures the endless highways and the fleeting towns that blur together. While the desert landscape and neon promises of Las Vegas loom on the horizon, the film stays rooted in Luli’s internal struggle—a search for agency, identity, and the possibility of redemption. The mood invites viewers to sit with the hum of the road, the quiet conversations, and the persistent question of whether a new city can truly erase the shadows of a troubled past.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 07:13
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories of desperate characters seeking escape on dangerous highways.If you liked the dangerous journey in Hick, explore more movies like it. These films feature vulnerable characters on the run, facing constant threats from the people they meet. They are tense, character-driven dramas about survival and self-discovery on the open road, often with a bleak or bittersweet tone.
The narrative follows a linear or episodic journey where each new encounter raises the stakes. The protagonist is usually running from something, and the road becomes a crucible that tests their resilience. The central conflict often shifts from external dangers to the psychological manipulation from within their makeshift travel group, leading to a climax that is both physically and emotionally violent.
Movies are grouped here by their shared core structure of a perilous journey, a vulnerable protagonist, and a tone of constant, grim anxiety. They focus on the theme of seeking a fresh start in a world that is inherently dangerous, creating a coherent vibe of tense survival and emotional heaviness.
Young protagonists navigate a harsh adult world filled with danger and manipulation.For viewers who appreciated the harsh coming-of-age journey in Hick, this section collects similar movies. These films explore teenagers facing extreme adult dangers, parental neglect, and traumatic events. They are dark, intense dramas about survival and self-discovery, often ending on a bittersweet or bleak note.
The narrative centers on a young protagonist escaping a broken home, only to find the wider world is equally threatening. Their journey is a series of escalating encounters with morally ambiguous or predatory adults, forcing them to grow up quickly. The arc is less about romantic discovery and more about hardening survival instincts, leading to an ending where safety is achieved but at a great emotional cost.
These films share a specific, dark subversion of the coming-of-age genre. They are united by a vulnerable young lead, themes of abandonment and survival, and a tone that is persistently grim and dangerous. The emotional core is the heavy weight of childhood trauma and the loss of innocence.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Hick in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Hick is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Hick, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Hick with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Hick. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Hick: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Hick that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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