Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Raw British drama isn't for the faint-hearted; child abuse.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Hoard
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In HOARD, young Maria (Lily-Beau Leach) lives with her mother (Hayley Squires) in a house full of hoarded items until an accident results in her moving to a foster home. Years later as a teenager (Saura Lightfoot-Leon), Maria's world is shaken up when she meets Michael (Joseph Quinn), a previous foster child from the same home, and the two of them find a mutual connection that unleashes repressed feelings and desires.
Is It Any Good?
With her debut feature film, British writer/director Luna Carmoon has created a potent drama that's full of confidence and originality. Hoard refuses to lose any of its off-kilter magic to compromise, instead stepping unapologetically into uncomfortable places alongside tender moments. The early years of Maria living with her mother build a word of wonder, imagination, and play that almost challenge viewers to disapprove or judge the chaos and filth within. Later, as 18-year-old Maria enters into an almost primal relationship with 30-year-old Michael—the two chasing each other on all fours, smearing food, and testing limits—its disturbing to watch at times. But their attraction is believable within the world Carmoon has built, and within the impulses and ways of communication we've already witnessed in Maria growing up. Both the 1980s and '90s are realized with plenty of nostalgic detail, and surreal asides, where time and reality seem to pause, tread the line between waking states and dreams, the conscious and unconscious, imagination and reality. At over two hours, there's a slight sense of it getting lost within its own concept at times, and some will find the level of discomfort too much. But there's no denying this is a strong, promising debut from an exciting new voice in British film.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Hoard approached the subject of hoarding. How was Cynthia's hoarding portrayed? How was her character developed beyond that? Did the film take a stance or make a judgment about her as a mother? What were some of the positive aspects of the environment she created for Maria? What were some of the negative aspects?
The movie doesn't shy away from dark material, uncomfortable behavior, and visceral gross-out moments. How did you feel watching it? Were there aspects that stuck with you? Did you think any were over-the-top or were they important to the way the story was told?
Maria lived her older childhood and teenage years with a foster mother. How was her foster family portrayed? What attributes about Michelle made her a good foster mom? How did the movie's portrayal of foster care compare to other on-screen examples?
Discuss the strong language used. Did it feel appropriate for the type of film it was? What did it contribute to the movie?
How did the film portray sex, nudity, and relationships? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 6, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : October 5, 2024
- Cast : Saura Lightfoot-Leon , Hayley Squires , Joseph Quinn
- Director : Luna Carmoon
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Sunrise Films
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 126 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee
- Last updated : February 21, 2025
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