American Honey (2016) Explained

[@Superpooper010]

So 4 months until the next video?

[@FilmHerald]

Nope! I have some free time coming up over the next few weeks so I should have another up within a month at the very least. At 50,000 subscribers I'll also have an update video coming out. Stay tuned!

[@Superpooper010]

Film Herald yessssss I love you❤️

[@deeznutz9096]

Huh

[@zet7670]

Busy schedule how many years has it been now

[@jordanpatricia991]

I watched this movie last night and I don’t think a film has kept my attention that long for quite awhile. I kept my eyes on the screen the whole time. I never waned it to end. It felt so real and raw to me, I felt as though I was with Star through it. I connected with her and felt the true chemistry and desire she had with Jake. This movie was truly beautiful to me and is now on my list of favorites. It made me feel something and have a deeper understanding and sympathy for other people. I’ll never forget it.

[@Raychello31]

I feel like that has a lot to do with how they cast these actors and actresses. They are more personable, and we can relate more to what they are saying. Unlike most films, it doesn't work for witty responses and rich dialogue. Instead, it focuses more on scenery and emotions. It IS raw and it is real. This movie is by far ahead of its time. It felt like a situation you could truly live through.

[@coconutsciencegirl9232]

It’s weird. It wasn’t like the best production. It wasn’t the best cinematography. But the acting was so real and so raw I just believed every emotion and feeling. I felt it with them. I couldn’t stop watching either. Hope this movie gets some recognition. Reminded me a lot of On the Road. A millennial version of it. I haven’t watched a movie in a long while that kept me up watching it. But this one did!!

[@spencers3598]

it's the magic of the movie. it's my favorite movie of all time, for sure, and although i do not wish to live IN that lifestyle, i die to see more of the characters.

[@coconutsciencegirl9232]

@@spencers3598 that is probably why we like it...we dont want any part of it but we live vicariously through the characters...we get to feel what it would be like to live "in the wild" lol

[@adamburdt8794]

I felt rather similar. I also found myself in a lot of situations star was driving me bananas. I would talk to the screen, "No Star! What are you doing!?!" Thenonly thing that did make me want to look away is the overly long dance/song sequences. If a song started they would dance the whole thing the whole time through basically 1 perspective

[@lucylovesxander]

The ending was a bit confusing, but after some research on what a turtle symbolizes the ending made more sense. Star found herself lost for a very long time, she made decisions that were never well thought out, she was free to roam the world but at the same time trapped in her trauma. Jake was the only person that made her feel loved. But they both knew it was toxic. When she was thrown into the pool as she got out she became upset for a few seconds. She was terrified because she couldn’t swim. You see her grow in this movie, you see her learn better ways to sell, she takes more risks with confidence. She becomes more confident each time she faces turmoil. When the new girl drema comes in you can see star looks at her as if she was seeing herself. She knew that she was sold a dream just like her because everything was better than the shitty life they had back home. When jake gives star the turtle he did it to make it up to her for leaving, but in the end she didn’t care anymore. She knew if she wanted to get ahead in life and reach that dream she was going to have to stand her ground above all the chaos that surrounded her. That’s why she went into the water by herself knowing she couldn’t swim and jake didn’t follow her to meet in private like he normally would. It was the beginning of the end.

[@gabbiyoung7861]

lucy terrazas this comment needs more likes!!! A totally new perspective of the end of the movie for me.

[@box1877]

Who's gonna read this shit ?

[@mariec3527]

Your comment made tons more sense cuz I was a lil lost and actually hated Star through most the movie cuz I felt she was stupid for interfering with Jake's Sales & getting on Krystals Bad Side

[@junopierre2988]

lucy terrazas I read that some parole thought she turned to escorting. After she saw how much she made.

[@shortcake445_3]

Smoke MK me

[@juanitadark]

This movie caught me off guard. The parallel between the beautiful, free moments yet the cruel restrictions of being poor is so well done. Sasha Lane really impressed me! One of the best watches of 2016 imo.

[@jessed1586]

This movie reminded me a lot of Mud and Hell or High Water. These movies do a good job showing the settings of the land, mostly in the south south west. Kind of like modern westerns.

[@JaesadaSrisuk]

JESSE D I like your description of the film as a neo-Western. There’s definitely a sense of lyricism in the movie that reminded me of Ennico Morricone.

[@UnbelievabIeMontages]

A lot of the dialogue was improvised and using kids who can naturally have conversations with each other was brilliant.

[@UnbelievabIeMontages]

here you are again to troll a movie that you clearly don't understand

[@UnbelievabIeMontages]

selling magazines is what got her into prostitution. a guy offered her for more money.

[@knightarcane4920]

The movie was okay but there is a lot of things that dont make sense tbh. Just how wild they are in general at every place they go for one. For two multiple people shack up in single hotel rooms (not realistic) its like cops dont exist in this movie, also how Star acts on her first sell with Jake was like how fucking dumb can one person be. I get that they wanted to paint her as open honest and strong but damn she lied to the two kids about going to the bathroom and left on this little adventure.

[@RebelKitty19]

YMS

[@Minion-mcqueen]

@@knightarcane4920 She left to free herself.

[@ivaslavkova4745]

I think the turtle symbolized "home" as the animal is wearing its own always, but it doesn't have a house just like Star and Jake-he will give her a homish feeling, but not a particular place

[@CodysFairytale]

Ива Славкова love this

[@Nadia-ku9ze]

such an insightful perspective

[@genesisdv2879]

Thanks for this

[@floridagirl386]

Or just represents needing to be free...

[@puny5417]

Iwi Kiwi oh. What a great interpretation... I don’t even think about that. Thanks

[@leebos]

"Labeouf doesn't shy away..." That will be forever burned in my brain

[@kitty2katty]

I agree with your interpretation - I think Jake wants to continue the relationship which is why he gave Star a gift of something that would make her happy - to set the turtle free. The water submersion was a baptism into her new life with him and the crew. I know it sounds cheesy but I would love a follow up movie because these characters are wonderful. This is now my favourite film of all time. Riley Keough is good in it, but Sasha Lane's performance is sensational - every expression in her face tells a story and is so poignant. And the music is so apposite for every scene.

[@brittaneycoates6587]

Me 2

[@aliedumoulin5085]

The music in this movie was boomin

[@moxyismyname5786]

Star grew and made some compromises, but she never compromised her empathy and kind heart. She was a giver of her time and gifts from start to finish.

[@iamnotmyhandle]

Classic empath-narc trauma bond.

[@TB-hw1dr]

To me .. this movie is so depressing but yet so addicting ... A lot of people hate the ending of this movie ..but I love how it just leaves me so curious on what eventually ended up happening to not only just star but the whole squad.

[@jwl00066]

this movie is what i want to get from watching movies. i get to experience others’ lives secondhand, and learn to empathize with people i’ll probably never meet. i like the occasional time killing flick or blockbuster but it seems like even the indie films are often too scripted, too _crafted_ and just i don’t know just the same as the next movie. american honey was like slipping into another life. great movie

[@lindawilliams3108]

I have been obsessed by this movie and trying to understand what it all means. Would absolutely love a sequel. Just loved it. The feelings were electric!!

[@anazec2887]

There is no sequel because this this is not som romantic teen movie. They wonted to show whot America is true this rode trip so called "job". Exploitation, poverty, dysfunctional families, drug user parents, hungry kids, ignorant housewife's, stupid rich oil rig guys, bored rich people and finally dream of place that you can call home!

[@alirae8155]

In the American honey singing scene QT looks at star and sings the line "gotta get back to her somehow" I think she is acknowledging that jake came back for star. I think Jake and star are really in love, they have an electric connection throughout the whole movie. What they have isn't perfect but I feel they understand each other on a subconscious level. There are a lot of signs throughout the movie pointing them back to each other every time. Great movie.

[@scenelover78]

I think he finally showed affection in front of the group by giving her that. He no longer had to or wanted to hide anything because he cared for her. I believe they stay together. She walked "out the mud" to be free and be reborn in the water.

[@andypunkz]

In fact, there’s a sense of freedom in the end: Jake and Star free themselves from the buy-sell chain they were stucked in at the beginning. Jake was trying to sell himself in the beginning, as well was Star. But in the end Jake gifts Star a natural element: something that cannot be sold nor stolen, something free, as their relationship will be from now on.

[@indftk]

i agree with this

[@MxWeirdoifcation]

This movie has the most organic dialogue I’ve ever seen in a movie.

[@mmabennyj]

How did this xfilm not make money? It's simply the finest piece of film ever created.

[@travis6694]

Poor advertisement and marketing for the film.

[@jeff381]

Definitely worth being iny personal DVd collection

[@leahdallmann1907]

i remember going to a shitty hotel in grand rapids, michigan as a teen .. did an “interview” with a girl who tried to get me to go on the road to sell magazines .. this movie seriously messed with my head .. what if my dumbass would of actually went .. probably would of had a way different life .. 🤦🏼‍♀️ there is a lot more truth in this movie than most think ..

[@duckduckgreyduck]

The turtle also carries it's home with it, which seems fitting to transient mag crew.

[@karensoria6728]

This movie made me feel something i haven’t felt I’m a very long time 👍🙌♥️I loved Shia,🤩 he’s amazing , weird in his own way , oddly attractive .

[@alanderson4159]

I think this movie (besides the obvious poor vs rich etc), has a veiled and much deeper meaning that's being overlooked. Pay attention to how people, animals, insects both free and captive all gravitate towards Star. Watch how Star is constantly saving and helping them, how horrified she was to stumble in the blood of cows brought to slaughter. Her nature is inherently pure (as depicted by the bear and grasshopper on her shoulder scene), yet she "sacrificed" herself to provide her and Jake a "home"... Pay attention to the song choices and lyrics, especially the last scene... "Savior" - and a baptism type scene. I think Star represents Jesus / God to each and every being in that movie.

[@pascal590]

Al Anderson I def agree. There were so many scenes where she was in peril but escaped unscathed bc she’s just so pure and brings light with her everywhere.

[@p.pebbles8662]

I agree with you somewhat. Really enjoyed this movie and the soundtrack. Love how you broke this down.

[@421whitney]

That’s what that was! I couldn’t figure out if she was falling in mud blood or what..Thanks for clearing that up

[@dr.lipschitz8018]

Just watched American Honey for the first time and it was such an incredible film. At the end I assumed that the turtle represented home, like Jake was telling her to go home. When Star went in the water and didn’t hear the sounds of the van and the crew when she came up I interpreted it as them leaving her behind. The only way that Jake would be able to come back would be for Star to be gone. Jake had already proven to be more useful to the crew than Star. Also, when Krystal tells Star that she isn’t special to Jake and that he does all the same stuff with all the girls in the crew it kind of seems like she’s only doing it so that Star get’s Jake out of her head but it could also be that Krystal is being honest and it’s a story of unrequited love.

[@bracketvilletexas]

Well, it could be. But one has to look at Krystal's roll, SHE IS THE SHE PIMP. She knows Jake is in LOve with Star. I was hoping one part in the movie scene; especially after the oil guy scene, that star would disappear and jake leaves the crew looking for her. She is the first person he showed his dream to. . he saw the lengths she would go; to help him reach his dream. I hope there could be a part two.

[@ELLIOTTA]

“Laboeuf doesn’t SHIA way”

[@crescentnovell8421]

I loved the film but was so disappointed in the ending. After such a ride, I needed and wanted to know what this journey meant. Love unrequited? Love fulfilled. Definitive choice? Freedom? Bondage? And I’ll say love again because it was the underlying story, force, lure of the tale. I’m so unsatisfied. Maybe American storytelling has ruined individual choice of ending as a satisfactory way of storytelling. But I need my ending. I need a reason to keep going despite everything. Life is so unsure...I need the “sureness” of hope in my storytelling. Or even the doom of failure. But I need something.

[@vintagedreaming60]

Crescent Novell I think it was that she would be okay on her own. I took it to mean Shia was an amazing salesman- including of himself to women.

[@mmabennyj]

Teenagers don't get an ending. They have to go on unsure and confused as we the audience. Try fish tank. That has a clear narrative.

[@daniortega5252]

Same. I needed to know what happened to those kids in the beginning. Her siblings I'm assuming. I was upset with the ending.

[@joshuamischke8141]

This film was absolutely amazing and instantly made my list of 'best ever movies'. Sasha Lane killed it. I can't even believe how good she was. I hope to see her in more films to come. Shia also did a brilliant job. He is a stellar actor. I am a sucker for a happy ending and was totally hoping for some resolution, but even before the end I knew I wouldn't get the ending I was hoping for. Still the film was perfect.

[@alisham6634]

From what I gather they left her behind in the end.

[@mrsmuhk]

Alisha M they definitely didn’t

[@novasummer7976]

Something I haven't seen being brought up is that Jake's dream was to live in a trailer in a forest, while star's dream was to live among "big trees" Essentially, they have the same dream in life, or at least a really close and compatible one. Throughout the movie, star makes more money than the rest of the crew in unconventional ways. Like when she made $400 from the cowboys and also made $1000 from the oil rig guy. Coincidentally, Jake says that to buy his dream, he needs a couple more grand. So if Star continues to make money in the way she is right now, she'd be able to finish off the last couple grand for them to be able to get a place in the woods together. I know that realistically this is nearly impossible to ahceive, and I think they know that too. But I get the feeling that both of them are subcountosly hoping it would happen one day, despite all odds. When he gave her that turtle, I think that it symbolized home. They were each others home, regardless of how unconventional their life was and how doomed their relationship will always be.

[@brookem3542]

I fucking loved this movie. that scene where she literallyyyyy pulls her tampon out and is like "do you mind?" and jakes like "no"

[@AbhishekMajiTheMajikHouse]

For me it was about liberation, wilderness, the untamed nature of human vs greed & one chasing after money! Above all Love persists even in the mOST difficult of situations.

[@theycallmevitch]

Abhishek Maji Yes yes yesss

[@milkuream]

God I love the coloration/colors/coloring of the movie. Some shots are really vibrant and saturated imo,, so aesthetic

[@laladonttrip3550]

Obsessed with Shia in this movie & his romance with her I couldn't get enough their relationship is confusing but it's there it's like he feels her but back's up then let's her know how much he's into her & hurt but then she's like confused by his actions but she knows it's there they both do ....I love it 😍😍

[@heatherbellnails6027]

All my boyfriend and I could do after watching this movie was say “wtf did I just watch?”

[@josedelatorre91]

heatherbell I watched it myself and said the same thing😂

[@bubbleseroticaband8807]

Watch Gummo.

[@chrisitl]

@@bubbleseroticaband8807 hell no, that movie is so weird. I watched it more than 10 yrs ago and i still haven't been able to get it out of my head

[@RebelKitty19]

*Idiocracy* on Hulu will leave you saying worse

[@donovanparker6732]

christi land it came out in 2016 ?😂

[@titabawasee]

A good take and explanation on the meaning of the movie American Honey. Something that caught my attention that you did not mention. In the ending scene where Star is given a turtle, Jake (Shia) knew she would give her gifts away. Jake knew Star would release the turtle. After Star comes up out of the water, you can hear crickets and other insects but not the music from the van and sounds from the young people. Star got left behind and the lack of sounds from the party indicated that.

[@amand4t]

omg.... did she really get left behind?

[@notsotypicalful]

This blows my mind but actually makes sense! Especially since Jake came back!

[@joshuabeartree1510]

But the music came back on...

[@K3VG979]

Don’t think so , it’s just sad to think that

[@itsfantom3020]

I highly doubt jake would’ve just left her behind

[@tiff3012697]

I loved this movie so much and it definitely didn't get the attention it deserved. Papa bless you sir.

[@spencers3598]

The last song pulls me to believe that Star is some sort of "savior" or "messiah", abused, mistreated and broken before becoming a "hero" by going on a journey full of learning, experience and the act of saving people and things. The way she treats the kids in that house, the way she helps and leaves be every animal she encounters, and the scene where phrases like "the devil has a hold of___" are passed around further my understanding, but I might just be overlooking it.

[@samanthagawlik3516]

I have never felt so alive / fresh / free from living within a movie. THIS is the type of “coming of age” that I like to see. You experience sacrifice, empathy, risk, hurt, love, and freedom like no other just from watching these characters interact in their personal hardships of life. 
PLEASE do not down play Shia’s rat tail. It is everything to me.... who knew scruffy with a hint of trash could be so sexy?? Oh, wait. It always was..... 
Amazing movie, can’t stop thinking about it.... tempted to rewatch already.

[@dorasegall8645]

Was anyone else conflicted by Star’s interaction with the family that reminded her of her own? I initially thought she was planning return to the kids but maybe it was more a reflection of where she came from before choosing to rise above it during her rebirth.

[@BlaxicanBeautyTV333]

Just watched this movie yesterday, the dialogue was so natural, the acting was great, the cinematography was beautiful, and the music was awesome. I like how Arnold went for new faces. I like to think Star and Jake stayed together or she let him go. Damn.

[@noahwilson4293]

So real it felt like a documentary. The drawback of that is that there was really no plot, but that makes sense because in truth these people may never reach there goals.

[@brandyross9103]

I have to believe the turtle was a sweet gesture to make up for taking off the night before and the quick but sweet embrace was reassuring her that they’re ok....

[@keepsie35]

This movie is absolutely fantastic. Easily makes my top 10 of all time.

[@yuufeternal5837]

The turtle was a peace offering. He obviously cares about her, the way he acted. The baptism scene is left to be open ended, so we the viewer make up our own ending. I think most of the movie is just artistic for the sake of it, without anything to preach or interpret. It feels very human, and you cannot make up these personalities...albeit Shia, he actually sold his character the worse, even though he did a good job. I do appteciate how you broje it down though. Very interesting.

[@alexyzguevara7418]

You help me understand the details and symbolism that I completely ignore or miss when see some of those films. Saludos from México, waiting for more analysis.

[@nikkinice100]

I really enjoyed this film. We all need to acknowledge the real and the negatives that exist. We can change things for our youth if we help guide them and support them.

[@austins.2495]

The cinematography in this film is just fantastic

[@starrharris6222]

I think it's a story about love. Two poor, damaged kids taking life as it comes and find each other. From the beginning scene to the end. They have the same dreams and fears and love each other amongst all the odds against them. I think the ending scene shows that love. He still gives her gifts. This time, a gift she can really relate to and resonate with. Not something he 'collected' but something real. Life. Rebirth. Freedom. Love.

[@stellamars-e2z]

I think the "explained" would be for the writer, director who knows what he/she had in mind. I saw symbolism, poverty, etc all over this movie. My search here was about the ending...which is pretty much left open to individual interpretation...there's too much pain in life, I would of love a happy ending, oh well.

[@biffbutowski2447]

Exactly, this was a horrible ending, everyone congratulation, a British director who does not even live in America or Mexico

[@brittanybustos7485]

Just watched this movie omg.. I am absolutely in love with it. I Related to star on so many different levels. This movie is brilliant not just because of all the symbolism or they way they filmed it or all the underlying messages but because it's open for interpretation. Like for me the the very end with the turtle, it symbolizes a home. I feel like Jake was giving her the turtle Not only because he knew that she was going to give away her present again like she does in the past but because he always came looking for her and always protected, Jake found his home within star. He told her certain things about his childhood and showed her certain things. I think Crystal knew star and Jake had a bigger connection than just the normal fling.I think she was a little threatened by star because star didn't pretend to be somebody she wasn't, she was herself 100 percent and trying to find herself all at the same time. I think the reason she said that she wasn't special is because she really was threatened by star and not in the sense that she could hurt Crystal physically but she could take away the money and all the personal favors that she got from Jake. So when she took the turtle and followed it into the water, she baptized herself and came out re-emerged confident feeling more alive and more special and she ever has in her entire life.I think that's the reason we didn't hear the music or noises coming for the bonfire. Yes, I wish that they would have told us a little bit about what happened between Jake and Star and the mag crew but I kind of like that they didn't because then I get to decide they stayed together or if crystal left star on the side of the road and if Jake came back for her. Cuz my whole point is this movie is open for interpretation ❤️

[@jmm1000]

on point, Brit!

[@bettydiemert3515]

At the end of the movie, when Jake gives Star the turtle; he's saying that no matter where turtles roam, they take their home with them. I know it's kind of cheesey, but home is where the heart is.

[@truelyyourz]

That’s what I was thinking and the water scene represents a new life she will have with jake

[@MM-mi3fr]

Those tears in Shia’s eyes 😢

[@xGMOGaming]

Loved this movie 😭 easily almost 3 hours long but the story became so captivating for me, you almost wish you could drag the movie out another hour or so. There was so much raw artistic thought that was captured through every scene progressing the plot exposing us not only to youth in society around us during this time, but combined together a raw reality of the current years & a story of love at first sight from a whole new perspective.

[@Theislarose]

I felt the turtle was a symbolism of what Jake gave her, which was an opportunity to get out of poverty and eventually make her own choices, have freedom=money.

[@umchinagirard1800]

The turtle is a sacred figure in Native American symbolism as it represents Mother Earth. The meaning of the Turtle symbol signifies good health and long life. The turtle has great longevity living up to 150 years. ... The hard shell of the turtle represents perseverance and protection.

[@ElSpeedy32]

If you love this movie! Go watch the Florida project

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Great work on this vid man! Deep and thoughtful without being pretentious, I like that.

[@jamjas5471]

I love Jakes and stars story tbh, it was such a ride but I feel like we needed a more clear ending. I like the whole message with the turtle and stuff, but I feel like we just need it more clearer.

[@marproperty1]

this movie really had me I was sad when it ended because it felt like it would never end! i really enjoyed it and the meaning behind it

[@SelfcareForTheMind]

Don’t forget she ate the worm and it brings love and luck. I believe it was a peace offering to continue the relationship as well. Took me years to finally watch and it was an interesting movie.

[@lilipoole8696]

This was overall a great movie and reading these comments helps me better understand it. But also reading these comments it seems unreal how we all so differently look at this movie

[@followsbear]

this movie took me by surprise....one of my favs from the last few years....beautiful

[@odeo11]

Thank you for this video!American honey was one of my favourite movie last year,a really Amazing and touching experience

[@sportjunky4371]

I loved this movie and this was a great analysis too. I liked how you explored multiple interpretations of the symbols and themes throughout instead of giving only one perspective of what this film "means", which a lot of other youtube video essays tend to lean towards.

[@kitty2katty]

I agree with your interpretation of the end - I feel hope for their enduring relationship. What a beautiful film though; I've watched it many times and always see something different and appreciate it more.

[@seroogyw6238]

I was actually trying to find Moneyball on Netflix and I couldn’t find it and I came across this movie!! It was such a surprise! It made me happy sad confused worried all at the same time! What an amazing movie, I am a guy in my middle 40s feeling like I wish I was there doing what they are doing but yet not wanting to be there either! It’s makes you feel free but so constricted, the ending left me wanting more and wish I understood totally wha it meant but I think that’s what the movie was supposed to do! Make your own mind up and decide what it means to you!! Thanks AMERICAN HONEY!!

[@faizac2536]

i know the point of the ending is to be open to interpretation but i need CLOSURE!! or at least some kind of direction that star and jake might go in... i just wanted SOMETHING from that ending and it wasn’t there 😕

[@heyyy742]

So heres my interpretation of the ending. Krystal replaced him so he was released from the pressure of complete servitude. I think he was actually falling for her and Him handing her the turtle was telling her she was his home. But by that point after finding out how he recruits girls she had decided to wisen up. She released the turtle to signify her letting him go. She no longer had hope in creating a home with him. it seems one of her main reasons for being there was chasing after Jake. But The imagery of her dancing to herself was showing her being her own person. She smiled to herself rather than it being due to jake making her smile. Her dancing blended in to the circle that went around the fire showing that she was finally considering herself as one of them. Then of course the baptism was just officially cleansing herself from him and just washing away that grip he had on her.

[@Nuvola.]

I really like this interpretation! Do you think that Star, after setting her free from Jake - or the idea that she had of Jake - will stay with the mag crew despite everything? In this case, Jake will probably insist to be with her again. We saw how possessive and jealous he is and surely has feelings for her (even if their relationship was a little bit toxic) so, since Krystal replaced him, I guess he has much more freedom. And we shouldn't forget that he's been collecting money and jewels for two years to be able to leave that road life. Although I noticed that, since he came back, he didn't make eye contact with her anymore... 🤔

[@biffbutowski2447]

Please shut up with the toxic me too crap

[@heyyy742]

@@biffbutowski2447 I'd love to understand what u meant by that? Care to explain? But if it doesn't add anything to the analytical conversation then wtf was the point in your comment?

[@GonzaloCalvoPerez]

The film is about the economic crisis and the methamphetamine boom, as depicted through the case of teenage poors, in a road movie style. Meth, also called speed, relates to the concept of road, as its abandonment does to the image of a turtle. The drug also is known as sugar, therefore the title of American Honey, also referring to the young female character. Her innocence is ambiguosly interpretable as a lack of wisdom, or as a trait of age, which leaves somehow the viewer in discomfort.

[@thesavagegentlemen]

there is always going to be those with and those with out .... what the difference is the actions they take i grew up poor . my mother did that job in the late 1960S . she learned a work ethic for sure and passed it on to me now i run several companies and i attended UCLA film school.. the movie felt real and gritty .

[@pixieee23]

Anyone else think that star and Jake made amends/ got back together?

[@kre4m4me]

So I know it’s been years now but I still would like a second movie. I just keep rewatching.

[@boogiebotboom]

I think the new girl was Star's replacement and she felt that because the look on her face when the van door opened up was that of concern. The boss never liked her and after Jake flipped out because he thought she had sex with the guy in the truck it only confirmed why Jake's performance was slipping and that clearly there was some sort of "relationship" between him and Star. Which did not sit well with her because Jake was basically her puppet. I believe the threat of being left in the wild became reality and that's why there was no music when she rose from the water. They left her! My interpretation of the turtle was the fact that Jake was truly bothered that Star just gave away the ring he had given her as a gift and she did it so carelessly. Even though it was stolen a ring is very symbolic of a future with someone and once she gave the ring away it gave him confirmation that as easily as she gave his gift away he could walk away from her with no remorse. Their kind of " love" or whatever you want to call it was poison and toxic. Even when he showed her all the jewelry he had been stealing he said it was for him to buy HIMSELF a house not them. He basically put it in her face but she only heard what she wanted. She implemented herself in his plans and his future without him even indicating that he wanted her to be part of that. I feel like that's one of the main reasons he was upset when she went with that guy to get money and said it was to help THEM get a house. I dont think he ever intended for there to be a "them" in his future. They always said he was a serious about his job and he made irrational choices once they were partnered together. Things that he never had done while training any of the others. She caused an toxic imbalance in his already crazy mind and there was no way for him to find balance between his job and her. So he had to let go of one of those things.... Star.

[@morganbrown6032]

I’m in love with this movie

[@azzagasim2916]

This film moved me so deeply. I teared up a few times

[@rhondahoskins]

Loved it! Totally agree with you on it’s ending. Your analysis of all of the symbolism represented was outstanding!

[@elyhenu8449]

I love this movie - it's underrated

[@TerrinX]

I'm always looking out for a new one, keep it up! I would be heartbroken if you stopped too soon.

[@jennifercate8996]

I certainly did not think Shia was setting Star free. He is far to jealous and irrational for that. I do believe the animals and how kind and GENTLE Star is to them just shows her heart. I believe that she was setting the turtle free, because that’s her nature, but also as symbolism that she realizes she doesn’t need Shia at all and sees the world for what it is and puts more value into herself. He was a sheer lunatic. I also got the impression (or maybe just want to believe) that she was done idolizing this lifestyle and sees that she was capable of reaching higher for her “dreams”.

[@pinkjellybeans00]

I realize how late I am to finding this movie but the one thing I haven’t been able to find anyone else questioning is the amount of scenes w blood in them that are never really explained? ( her stepping in blood puddle, jakes bloody shirt, etc. ) I’ve been trying to think what this could symbolize & would love to hear anyone’s ideas

[@srw6000]

Only a few years late but I just watched this movie and I’m much a indie open ended movie fan. But when I am, I can’t get them out of my head and always looking for closure and after reading comments go back and rewatch it and be like “ohhhh”.. This movie had so much going on but not enough all at the same time lol. I didn’t realise that the man in the beginning was Star’s father.. I am really conflicted as to whether or not Star and Jakes connection was only sexual chemistry or was it something more.. when they drive past in the van he spots her and they make eye contact and she follows them into the store and appears to be in awe of Jake. She gives off a vibe of innocence (he explains when training her he can read people to manipulate them into buying magazines) he drops his phone knowing she would give it back to him because he was testing the waters. The new girl in the end of the movie also gives off the same shyness and innocent vibe as Star did. Was It true what Krystal said to her that he does it with all girls ? And he never once confessed his feelings for her or vice versa, they never said the words to confirm anything. He did say “this relationship thing isn’t happening” but then he says it’s cause Krystal doesn’t agree with it so just go along with it.. as if to say yes this is a thing but no one can know but I don’t think she understood what he was saying. I like that the movie didn’t make her history of sexual abuse the focus, during Star and Jakes interactions she doesn’t share much about her childhood except when he was lying to one of the “Jones’s” however Jake shared things about his childhood. But he gained a saviour complex for Star, when she was with the cowboys, then the oil rig guy. He was protective of her and trying to protect her innocence & I felt that when she told him she had sex for money it was more about him feeling like he had failed her. And you never see him and Krystal being intimate at all, whenever she thinks he is in her bed it’s always someone else. The first time he was playing with the kids in the car park, the second time he was being degraded because Krystal was proving a point that there are no relationships to be had and he is loyal to her business and the third time it was a different guy. During the movie they adopt/steal animals the squirrel in the van and then the dog, Jake always made up for his wrong doings by giving her gifts (the lighter and the ring) I feel like that was what the turtle was. Another gift, possibly “they’re” pet. The relationship wouldn’t survive outside of the mag crew but would continue whilst they were in the crew. She is a saviour to insects and animals, children, she helps one of the girls in the crew when she is in psychosis in the carpark and one of the boys by stopping the fight. The movie is insightful, I had no idea about mag crews and exploitation. I just thought of them as annoying door knockers, I didn’t realise there was a culture attached to it.

[@bassfairy_]

I love this movie. It feels so comforting and real. When u watch it feels like you're connected to star and the other characters. Like you're part of their group and journey

[@thecrohnsdiaries]

I think this film ending is a lot simpler than everyone's making out. Jake giving her the turtle is because she always "frees" the trapped animals and is gift of reconciliation... When she walks into the water I think its one of those times when you've thought of doing something "crazy" so you do it to experience it. Its about being alone and unafraid is a busy and noisy life. To remind you that you are alone in this life and you make a choice to be with the people you are with

[@alidolloso1704]

This movie was really beautiful

[@Darknessevolves]

Loved the movie... hated the ending

[@ReepS506]

Man.... I was on a mag crew... this movie is the life we lived... of course slightly exaggerated in parts... but that... was it. I dont know how they know the struggles us mag kids faced... I never thought id see a piece of my history either... i met a girl at a door in tulsa oaklahoma and helped her escape her abusive dad from making money off her and drug addiction... that same day and got her on crew... i feel like this is legit my story someone captured in the news after a mag kid convinced a girl to run away from home to escape an abusive family... No adult should be trapped in their parents home...

[@Sam-lq7qi]

I took Crystal at her word that Jake's character was selling girls on sex and intimacy to join the magazine crew. She told Star she was deliberating on whether or not to kick her out right before she tells her Jake is gone. I thought that was a test to see whether Star would stay without the romantic interest that drew her in the first place. I don't really see what explains Jake coming back, otherwise. The turtle seemed like a "let's be friends" symbol to me.

[@chloem.3949]

Yes so I love your interpretation thank you

[@fionapineapple3838]

the last hour of the movie could have been cut so much shorter, but overal loved it

[@jwl00066]

also, i noticed a lot of people saying they didn’t like/understand the ending but i thought it was pretty clear at least in terms of how the viewer is supposed to react to it 1) star lets the turtle go, which is her giving away another present from jake. throughout the entire movie star interacts with animals/insects a lot(the bee in the pool she saves with gum wrapper, the other bee she catches with a glass cup and lets go out the window, the moth she watches at night before going to wake up jake, the grizzly bear in the field, etc) the turtle being set free into the water shows both a continuity and a change; continuity because star again saves/frees an animal while she herself is trapped in this situation with the crew and jake, change because she ‘follows’ the turtle into the water when we know she can’t swim and is afraid of being submerged in water. it’s an ambiguous metaphor but therefore leaves it open to the viewer for interpretation. 2) jake giving her the turtle can also be seen two ways, one, he knows or instinctively understands that star has a way with animals and so he gives her the turtle as a gift with particular personal meaning. also since their private call sign was the wolf cries that jake does, the animal gift could be seen as even more private and special. this would mean that they might reconcile and their relationship might develop further, though it’s shadowed by star letting the turtle go. two, jake gave her the turtle just like he has always done, with star and also other girls, it’s just another of his charming antics. he doesn’t understand or observe star very well and doesn’t know that she’s not the type of person who would keep something like a live turtle for her amusement. he’s spontaneous and that’s part of why star is attracted to him, but it doesn’t have much meaning, kind of like what krystal says about him to star. you can see it either way. so to sum it up the ending can be interpreted whichever way you like and it’s both pessimistic(that star, and possibly other people like her in similar situations, is/are unlikely to move on from these surroundings) and hopeful(that she will learn to become more independent, like learning to swim, and break away from the crew and her relationship with jake.) this comment turned out way too long but yeah that was my impression of the ending and i loved the ending.

[@conservos2349]

A lot of people think the main character was abandoned by the Mag crew at the end. Watch the last scene again carefully.

[@travis6694]

My dude, they were all partying together. It’s not like they secretly/quickly packed up and sobered up and dipped out. The pause in music was for effect of the scene. And then the music continues.

[@carlab2626]

Travis F exactly

[@TheFairyGodDog]

I know about this film a bit because it started filming in my home city. It shocked me to see my city in a film since it feels more like a town and is just boring but peaceful southern area. I need to watch this film since it seems pretty interesting honestly.

[@colleensarmento9660]

Great video👌 the jazz in the background is amazing

[@giasaleen2]

The ending still throws me off. I honestly hated how it ended. I guess I don’t understand

[@PhoenixWright29]

I love your analysis. Good job man.

[@silvereye1205]

Another great video my dude! Just make sure this next one doesn't come out in 4 months ;)

[@teriraia]

One of my favorite movies. I think that Jake gave her the turtle as a sign that she had to be set free. He knew they were going to leave her on "the side of the road" for many reasons.

[@adamburdt8794]

Were supposed to get all this? Am I an idiot for not seeing this symbolism the first time through

[@aMissAdventure]

This movie was nostalgic for me. I have no regrets.

[@ForeverTraitor]

You're back!

[@stephen86ful]

Just found your channel, great job. I hope to see much more.

[@FilmHerald]

Thanks!

[@DJ2130]

No mention of Andrea Arnold's 2011 Wuthering Heights? It has to one of my favorite of her's.

[@Bluebird1plus1]

Wow, I have to say, anyone who has been on a mag crew would say everyone's experience is different, this movie probably had bits and pieces that relate to a mag crew member. This movie doesn't depict what happens to everyone, but a lot of parts do feel familiar. Hopping every other weekend to a new city and morning meetings resonate in my memory from decades ago. Good movie.