Movie Reviews

‘Shooting Heroin’ Review: Powerful performances highlight heavy story

A powerful story that looks at an old problem.

April 3, 2020

In these unsettling times it is easy to forget there were huge societal problems. These issues still go on now but are being overlooked. Drugs have long been waiting for a topic of conversation. Unfortunately, these talks sometimes get pushed to the background. Shooting Heroin is a 2019 drama that looks at the opioid problem. The movie follows Adam who lives in a small town with a big drug problem. When some of the townspeople decide to take matters into their own hands, the town becomes divided.

When dealing with heavy topics, the acting takes on greater importance. Since the plot is story driven, the cast sees a brighter light cast on them. Shooting Heroin is filled with powerful performances. The movie is very heavy leading to some grave performances. This means there is very little levity in Shooting Heroin. An argument can be made that things may be too brooding, but it all makes sense in the context of the movie. The cast does a great job of making sure things do not come off as corny. (They do skirt the line, however.)

The story and scripting can get a little heavy handed. Adam and his friends seem to have been given carte blanche. Things have already gotten pretty far before the police step in and disband the task force. By the time this has happened, the three have set up road blocks and are frisking high school students. At times, the story is more of a video game power fantasy than a moving tale about loss.

'Shooting Heroin' Review: Powerful performances highlight heavy story

There are some interesting themes broached in Shooting Heroin. Drugs are seen as such a scourge even doctors and pharmacists doing their jobs are vilified. Yet, Adam’s reaction to his sister is to get “fucken drunk”. This dichotomy is seen throughout the movie. Casual drinking is never compared to hard drug use. And all the characters are painted in black and white. Instead, the movie is asking when have things gone too far.

Shooting Heroin deals with powerful subjects. Drug abuse, loss, and responsibility are just some of the themes it touches on. The lightning quick pace can be a little surprising. Sometimes, things seem to be too easy. But this also ensures the movie never becomes too preachy or depressing. Shooting Heroin only scratches the surface, but sometime, that is enough.