Lemonheads (2020) User Reviews

Not going to blow your mind, but worth the watch for a few performances.

[Jo-Cino · 6/10 · 22 November 2020]

Very predictable movie about drug addicts who NEED more 'h' (heroin) and the depths of the rabbit hole they climbed in. the script itself was ok, nothing special even though they thought they were being obscure at times (they weren't) the concept was nothing new either. the execution was fair. nothing to ruin the movie. i was, however, very pleased with a few of the performances. george jonson as the central character comfortably carried the lead and darren keefe reiher as the super high-strung irishman was great to watch for his ten minutes of screen time. the one hour and twenty six minute runtime was also perfect as any longer i might've started looking for the exit soon. the movie's silver lining: it makes you feel REAL good to not have chosen a life of drugs. Not going to blow your mind, but worth the watch.

watch requiem for a dream, trainspotting, or candy instead

[michaelglass-55724 · 4/10 · 11 February 2021]

Its pretty boring and neither character seems like they are in withdrawal from heroin whatsoever sans the cousin puking in the beginning. neither would even be able to pull off any kind of job while in full blown withdrawal. eh, just a long winding road that takes you nowhere. great acting from the main character tho.

Strong Character Drama

[DonSwanson · 16 December 2020]

This is true indie film grit, driven by strong characters and their development that is anchored in excellent performances. Everything here works on a narrative level and is complimented by solid production value. Worth a watch, you won't be disappointed!

Nonsense

[mcjensen-05924 · 1/10 · 11 November 2023]

Don't believe these ridiculous reviews from people associated with this annoying mess of a movie. There's so many realistic and gritty movies on this topic that there's no need to waste your time on this. Any small bit of momentum this movie manages to gain is soon destroyed by a horrible song completely disassociated from the on screen action. The dialogue and interplay between characters is in no way credible. The main character is like a parody of what he's supposed to represent. His cousin is nothing but an annoying loser and you'll never understand why these people tolerate each other. Every character introduces just keeps dragging this down further into the muck. It could have worked in more capable hands. Look to Britain for excellent movies of this type. The best offerings on this side of the pond are garbage at best. It wavers beyond silly and stupid and eventually wallows in mundane mediocrity. Not entertaining in the least.

Well produced Indie...

[donm52 · 7/10 · 14 December 2020]

The grim storyline is made more watchable by several interestingly portrayed characters. Perhaps not a candidate for this years feel good flicks list, but worth the watch, that is, unless you're trying to kick dope!

A punch in the face

[idarbo · 8/10 · 24 December 2020]

Lemonheads won't leave you indifferent. It's an intense dive into the dark depths of addiction with top-notch performances and beautiful photography. A subtle character study that's never preachy nor complacent. Bravo!

A gritty look at addiction.

[evelyne-8 · 7/10 · 16 December 2020]

Wow, what a suspenseful, crazy night, these characters had. Addiction is not pretty and this film depicts so well the harsh desperation of addiction. The performances were real, raw, and painful to witness. Jeffrey Dean plays Pigeon and is excellent, I believed his desperation. Both leads made me want to show this film to my son as a warning, but also as well-made story and film.

Very dark and very worth seeing

[bladepalmer · 9/10 · 2 December 2020]

A Christmas movie about a couple of heroin addicts in desperate need of a fix..... Just like all those other Hallmark Christmas movies. It is not for the faint of heart. It's dark, sick, twisted, kinky, quotable, violent, dirty, weirdly spiritual, so Northwest, and laugh-out-loud funny. I loved the simplicity of the story and all the characters they meet along the way. Some very off-beat characters, nice writing, great use of music, mood, and real nice flow to it. Wonderfully brave and daring performances from George Jonson, Samuel Wyatt, Tony Doupe, Jeffery Dean, William Shockley. Lots of beautiful scary losers. I believer the brothers, Dawson Doupe and Ryder Doupe, and co-director, Todd Tapper are three filmmakers we're going to be hearing a lot more from.

Not a classic, but entertaining

[PacmanKO88 · 7/10 · 6 June 2021]

I know this film doesn't have many ratings, but I'm surprised to see it at a 5.3 I agree with the reviewer who recommends seeing Requiem for a Dream or Trainspotting if you're looking for something that nails the depiction of addiction and you're not into indies.

But my main takeaways...excellent lead performance. Also, this film went from one scene/situation to the next and each introduced one crazy/interesting character after another. This and the general flow kept me engaged. Yes, I questioned some things (they couldn't have carried out what they did in full-blown withdrawal), but I don't think this was meant to be a harrowing, pinpoint depiction of addiction, although it DID show the desperation addicts go through in their struggle.

Not a classic, I wouldn't watch it again, but a solid 7 for entertainment value.

The characters and storyline are excellent, and the acting is top notch

[jimborussell · 9/10 · 16 December 2020]

Great acting, interesting and realistic characters, suspense, and a fascinating plot Delve into the insane and intense life of drug addicts who struggle with their addiction and incessant need to score the next fix. The characters and storyline are excellent, and the acting is top notch. I recommend this film

An addiction film that ranks right up there

[directortim2012 · 9/10 · 16 December 2020]

I'm always drawn to films that depict addiction honestly and without overwrought sentiment. This is a film that absolutely fits that criteria. It's amped-up, painful, real and brutally honest about heroin addiction. And it definitely ranks with some of the best films of the sub-genre of heroin films: The Man with the Golden Arm, The Panic in Needle Park, Trainspotting. This movie reminded me a little of the latter in certain stylistic ways. A very well done, intense film.

Intense Indie Addiction Thriller

[JGReviews · 8/10 · 4 January 2021]

Several days into their withdrawal, two heroin addicts embark on a dangerous job to try to get their next fix. Lemonheads definitely had me intrigued with this setup. The indie film is a dark and moody experience with great cinematography and camerawork. This film might be a bit too dark and intense for some, but if you're like me, sometimes that's what I'm looking for in a film. I was very much invested in the plot. Kudos to the filmmakers for bold filmmaking choices.

Phenomenal cinematography

[sitebpro · 9/10 · 8 January 2021]

Lemonheads has some of the best cinematography I've seen an indie film. The movie is suspenseful, dark, engaging, yet funny and fun at the same time.

George Jonson gives an amazingly captivating performance that you cant look away from. His balance of focus and motivation mixed with a unhinged sense is great. The characters aren't good people and they aren't framed to be, but you cant help but get sucked up on there insane adventure.

The movie is briskly paced and well directed and Im excited to see what everyone does in the future, strongly recommend!

A Junkie Tale Well Told

[catia-ojeda · 8/10 · 30 December 2020]

A compelling, dark tale which fits nicely with drug tales by Quentin Tarantino, Guy Richie, and Jeremy Saulnier. Two junkies on a search for their next fix could be cliche, but the filmmaking and storytelling keeps you surprised and entertained. If this is your genre, you will not be disappointed.

Intense, raw and powerful

[williamgway · 9/10 · 24 December 2020]

This films does an outstanding job in portraying both a compelling story and leaving the viewer with a close personal look at addiction. Wonderfully shot and well acted, the story leaves us on an emotional roller coaster. I recommend this film to those who are interested in a great story with an emotional punch.

Get your fix

[NZfilmfinder · 9/10 · 22 December 2020]

Lemonheads is a gorgeous looking film, the camerawork is raw and gritty and adds to the despair and urgency of it's two leads. Lemonheads follows two drug addicts who are in heavy heroin withdrawal and getting increasingly more desperate for their next fix. The two leads are excellent and the film is full of memorable performances, this is a powerful story about addiction and the depths of where it may take you, exploring darkness and the edges of humanity. These are not good people, but just like the drugs they are chasing you are drawn to their story and hooked until the very end. A cautionary tale that's well worth your time.

Raw and intense

[NUDavis859-1 · 9/10 · 27 December 2020]

This intense movie about two junkies desperate for their next fix is raw in its portrayal. Pulling no punches these characters are real, making no apologies, and the story is gripping, holding you hostage until the last possible second with twists and turns on how it will all end. And the dark humor sprinkled in is done exceptionally well. It is a definite must see.

I really enjoyed this film

[craigahrens · 9/10 · 21 December 2020]

Holy cow!!! This film was so good! I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. The actors were terrific! the two primary actors worked so well together (great job in casting). I also liked the look of this film. I liked how it was shot. The story was full and the director did a good job in pacing. I was engaged throughout the entire duration of the film. Good job all! I give this film an easy thumb's up!

raw and powerful

[mich1elle · 9/10 · 29 December 2020]

Such a raw and powerful story. Such a real portrayal with interesting characters. well written and great acting. I highly recommend this movie.

One of the most difficult film I've ever watched

[manuelasaez · 8/10 · 26 February 2024]

I usually avoid Indie Rights films like the plague, and it's one of the many production companies I associate with poor film making. Having watched the sensational Castle in the Ground, I was looking for similar films about drug use and addiction that didn't glorify it, and this popped up as recommended. Although the production company title screen would have immediately put me off, I said, "Let me give them one more chance" and I'm glad I did. This has to be one of the most well acted, powerful films I've seen about addiction since Castle in the Ground, and I am glad that I stuck with it and watched it to teh very end.

I could write a review about the film, what transpires in it and how it's harrowing and visceral. But really, it's the acting that truly elevates this film. The entire cast played its heart out, and I just sympathized with everyone, in particular, the younger cousin. He really took that role and ran with it, and it looked like he was really suffering from withdrawals through the entire film (I hope he didn't method act his way through this one).

I think I'll just end my review with this; I absolutely abhor drug use of any kind, but addiction fascinates me, as I like to understand something when I have such strong feelings about it. This movie does a great job of showing how drugs not only rule the lives of these people, but how it ultimately destroys them. Not an easy watch, but an important one.