Factory 25, the same company that brought us Christmas, Again (and rising star Hannah Gross), is back with another micro-budget narrative steeped in realism and youth culture with the film Stinking Heaven. In it, a group of ex-addicts deal with the challenges of sober living and face the harsh realities of their choices in this earnest attempt at a slice-of-life drama from director Nathan Silver.

Right off the bat, Silver draws attention to the film’s old-school style. Taking place in New Jersey in 1990, he pays homage to the technology of the times by shooting Stinking Heaven on an Ikegami betacam—a news camera commonly used in the early 70s. The quality, while intentionally grainy and double exposed in some scenes is intriguing- most of the time. And while the look is meant to mimic the docu-style of the 90s, the slow push-in close-ups of characters are more reminiscent of old soap operas; it’s an effect that tries a bit too hard to be edgy and ends up feeling rather cheap at times.

‘Stinking Heaven’ will appeal to those who found the grittiness of ‘Heaven Knows What‘ and ‘Tangerine‘ a pleasurable viewing experience.

Stinking Heaven is centered around a sober-living home, where destitute young adults find themselves living among other like-minded individuals who find comfort in conformity and regulation. Drawing similarities from religious cults or communes, the group’s requirements include mandatory participation in all house activities. Since they do not work they make a living selling a fermented health drink out of their shared van, real “hippie shit” as one customer points out. While the film has no main protagonist, Hannah Gross is one recognizable face whose character, Ann, finds herself seeking solace in the home which causes a disruption in her ex-girlfriend’s attempt to regain control over her life.

With a nomination for the Audience award in the American Independents category at this year’s AFI FEST, Stinking Heaven will appeal to those who found the grittiness of Heaven Knows What and Tangerine a pleasurable viewing experience. Despite not having as strong of a plot or linear storyline as the previously mentioned films, this type of filmmaking should be celebrated for its uniqueness and contribution to the indie catalog.

Stinking Heaven opens in Los Angeles at Arena Cinema this Friday and is available to stream on Fandor. Unrated.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylolqPHxxNA